Winding back alcohol restrictions in Fitzroy Crossing to allow publicans to sell mid-strength takeaway beer would be a mistake, Centre for Independent Studies Indigenous Research Program Manager Sara Hudson says.
“The three publicans’ argument that because there is a ‘roaring trade’ in sly grog they should be able to sell mid-strength, is ludicrous,” Ms Hudson says.
“Allowing licensed premises to make money off the alcoholics in the town at the expense of children’s health would a terrible tragedy.”
Ms Hudson says that while the benefits of the alcohol restrictions have waned over time, the last thing Fitzroy Crossing needs is more children being born with FASD — with seven children being born with the debilitating disability in the last year.
“Unfortunately, the effectiveness of restrictions appeared to decrease over time as people found ways to circumvent the law,” she says.
“It is impossible to have police stationed at every street corner stopping sly grog runners.
“Evaluations conducted on the alcohol restrictions introduced in Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek, in Western Australia found there was a noticeable decline (between 20% and 40%) in the number of alcohol-related crimes and alcohol-related admissions to hospitals a year after the restrictions were introduced.
“For long-term changes, governments should be tackling the reasons why people are drinking rather than simply controlling the consumption of alcohol.
“Alcohol abuse has strong correlations with unemployment. Lack of employment, coupled with relatively high welfare payments, contributes to alcohol abuse, which in turn inhibits or prevents heavy drinkers from working.
“The government shouldn’t wind back the alcohol restrictions in Fitzroy Crossing but the restrictions need to be linked with initiatives that address the underlying causes of the problem,” Ms Hudson says.
Sara Hudson is Manager of the Indigenous Research Program at The Centre for Independent Studies and author of Alcohol Restrictions in Indigenous Communities and Frontier Towns.