A police officer stands at the welcome sign in Coober Pedy

Police believe alcohol fuelled violence has halved since new licensing conditions were imposed in Coober Pedy last September.

The conditions, imposed by the Liquor Licensing Commissioner as necessary for public order and safety, came into effect on 30 September 2013.

The conditions were developed in consultation with the Coober Pedy District Council, community residents, SA Police, representatives of the Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement, SA Health providers and licensees from the Coober Pedy Region.

Superintendent Peter Anderson, officer in charge of the Far North Local Service Area, says the results show a significant reduction in alcohol related crime.

“We’ve seen excellent results provided in the feedback from Umoona Council, who report a much safer and quieter community.”

“Local health counsellors have reported an ability to engage coherently, with the quality of interactions significantly improved.”

“The average blood alcohol readings of health services clients have now dropped by about two thirds, with some people regularly attending with .000.”

“We have also seen less aggression, with hospital emergency admissions for intoxication down by 50%.”

“Council has also reported an overall decrease in public drunkenness and loitering and a cleaner town with less litter.”

“Local police and officers from SA Police’s Licensing Enforcement Branch will continue to monitor the impact of the new conditions on the community of the Coober Pedy region, but it’s certainly a very positive and encouraging first few months.”

The new take-away conditions specifically state:
•The licensee shall not sell or supply liquor for off-premises consumption to any person who resides at a ‘prescribed land’ identified as Umoona Community, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Ngaanyatjarra Lands and Tjuntjuntjura Lands in Western Australia, or the Northern Territory communities of Docker River/Kaltukutjara, Imanpa/Mt Ebenezer, Hermannsburg/Ntarja, Maryvale/Tijikala, Santa Teresa/Ltyentye Apurte and Finke/Aputula.
•The licensee shall not sell or supply liquor for off-premises consumption to any person if the licensee has reason to suspect the liquor may be taken to a ‘prescribed land’ as defined herein.
•The licensee shall not sell or supply liquor for off-premises consumption to any person who does not produce photographic identification.
•Photographic identification means a current driver’s licence, international passport, proof of age card issued by the Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure or equivalent in another Australian State or Territory.
•The licensee shall not sell or supply liquor for off-premises consumption other than between 11am – 8pm each day.
•The licensee shall not sell or supply liquor for off-premises consumption in a container commonly known as a cask.
•The licensee shall ensure that the sale or supply of wine, port wine, fortified wine or spirits for off premises consumption is limited to the maximum of 750 ml per person per day.