Licence to break sly grog misery

A CAPE York community is poised to be a test case for the repealing of prohibition aimed at curbing harmful impacts of sly grog following an application to the state regulator for a restricted liquor permit.

Since the outlawing of booze at Lockhart River in 2008, an up-tick in binge drinking followed and a lucrative sly grog trade flourished.

Now a 4L cask of wine can sell for up to $200.

A review of alcohol management plans in remote Cape York communities was completed in mid-2019 but new laws have yet to be implemented by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.

Foreshadowing a policy shift, Lockhart River Mayor Wayne Butcher said a new $2m purpose-built social club would help the community turn around negative drinking habits.

“We’ve seen binge drinking becoming a real issue in our community among the younger generation over the last 10 years,” he said.

“A social hub is all about educating the next generation around changing the habits of people.

“We want a place where people can go and have a few beers a few nights a week and socialise, play a game of darts or play a game of pool and watch footy on television.

“That kind of changing drinking behaviour pattern is what we’re looking for into the future.”

Under the Lockhart River proposal, drinkers must have a zero alcohol blood level to enter the social club, which would open four nights a week to serve light and mid-strength beer.

An Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation spokesman confirmed the proposal was being considered.

“In determining an application, (we) must appropriately balance the nature and extent of any potential amenity and community safetyrelated concerns identified during the assessment process against the applicant’s ability to suitably mitigate these issues,” he said.

Lockhart River ministerial champion Mark Bailey said the time for change had arrived.

“It will be very closely managed and I think the township is ready for that regulatory model,” the Transport and Main Roads Minister said.

It’s expected the social club will open next year and will coincide with the unveiling of a new oval facility that has undergone a revamp after being destroyed by Cyclone Trevor in early 2019.

Mornington Island Mayor Kyle Yanner has also pushed for a limited alcohol licence for the Gulf of Carpentaria community, however the state has remained tight-lipped about potential changes.