Ceduna grog ban launched to fight ‘escalating lawlessness; violence’

New measures will be launched in a remote South Australian town to combat rising levels of anti-social behaviour.

A new booze crackdown will be launched in a remote South Australian town to combat rising levels of anti-social behaviour and alcohol related “harm”, authorities have revealed.

Local residents and community leaders have reported rising levels of crime and anti-social behaviour in – and around – Ceduna, on the Far West coast.

New evidence emerged after more than two dozen graphic videos were left unchecked on social media for weeks despite recording public brawls, school fights, and violent attacks at sports games for weeks.

Authorities have announced a new trial booze crackdown from next week that will ban customers from buying takeaway cask wine, spirits or fortified wine before midday.

The proposed changes will apply to the Ceduna Foreshore, Thevenard and Penong hotels, Smoky Bay General Store and Nundroo Roadhouse.

The federal Liberal MP for Grey, Rowan Ramsey, said “escalating lawlessness and violence” had prompted the bans.

Local MP Rowan Ramsey said the bans were imposed amid “escalating lawlessness and violence” in and around Ceduna such as this fight at a local football match. Picture: Instagram

“Let’s hope it makes a difference, but it is clear this measure is a penalty on the whole community to address the sins of a minority,” he said.

At present, liquor sales are restricted to one purchase, per customer per day.

Limits apply to the amount of cask wine, spirits, or fortified wine that can be purchased in one transaction.

The state’s liquor licensing boss said an “increase in anti-social behaviour and alcohol related harm” in Ceduna had prompted a three-month trial of “stricter restrictions”.

In a statement posted on the Consumer Business Services website, Acting Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Fraser Stroud said the bans struck a balance between reducing local alcohol harm and minimising the hit on tourists or residents.

“By delaying the availability of high alcohol concentration items by three hours, we’re seeking to help frontline alcohol services and harm minimisation programs,” he said.

“(It will also) assist police and emergency services in responding to alcohol related incidents and harm.

“These additional measures cannot resolve issues of demand, but may be effective in tackling supply which can have flow-on positive effects.”

The bans start on Monday. Mr Stroud said feedback and relevant data will be analysed after the trial ends.