Patrols need to head to East Point earlier, according to food vendor

AN East Point food vendor says reducing the legal drinking hours at the reserve would not have stopped any problems

• Darwin council asked to reduce drinking hours at East Point
• Council rejects calls to reduce drinking hours at East Point

AN East Point food vendor says reducing the legal drinking hours at the reserve would not stop any problems, with anti-social behaviour kicking off before the curfew begins.

Supa Slushie owner Bruce Kirkbride said problematic drinking often began well before rangers patrolled the area, disturbing those going for afternoon runs.

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“They get here at 3pm or 4pm and by 5pm they’ve had a gutful. The language is disgusting, the behaviour’s disgusting, rubbish is left behind — it’s just that minority causing the problem,” he said.

“Quite often the locals come here to go for a walk and get abused. You can’t bring kids down here because of the language.”

Supa Slushie owner Bruce Kirkbride shares his thoughts on the East Point alcohol restrictions. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

Mr Kirkbride said reducing the drinking curfew as suggested by NT Police would turn away locals, and there needed to be greater surveillance to contain the problem earlier.

“It’s hard because you get the people who come down for a drink, it affects them as well. I don’t think you can ban (drinking) … because people won’t come here at all,” he said.

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“I don’t think a fine will do it, it’s more policing by Larrakia (Nation). They need to start (policing) earlier, don’t wait ‘til 7pm, get here 4pm, 5pm.”