CLC calls on Alice Springs bottle shops to shut on 50th birthday, Lhere Artepe outlets comply

A Red Centre land council is gearing up for its birthday bash in Alice Springs, and requested all takeaway bottle shops shut for certain days – but not all are adhering.

The Gap View Hotel drive-through bottleshop. Picture: Sam Boneham

Bottle shops in the Red Centre capital have been asked to close their doors for a milestone celebration this weekend – with the body behind the request calling it a “successful” measure when previously implemented – but not all are complying.

The Central Land Council is turning 50, and will celebrate the milestone at a drug and alcohol free event at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station on Saturday, October 5.

The Telegraph Station will be a restricted premises for the event, per a CLC request.

However, the CLC also made another request: its asked all the takeaway liquor outlets in Alice Springs to shut on October 4 and 5.

In a statement, the CLC said the request has been met with “disappointing results”.

Police presence at the 3pm opening of the Lhere Artepe IGA bottle shop in Alice Springs in 2023. Picture Mark Brake

So far, three bottle shops will shut with Lhere Artepe Enterprises confirming it was closing the Cellarbrations store attached to the IGAs it runs.

“As part of our commitment to social order and community wellbeing, Lhere Artepe Enterprises has decided to close our liquor outlets on the 4th and 5th of October,” the statement reads.

“We recognise the importance of leading by example during such significant community events and supporting efforts to minimise alcohol-related risks.”

Both the CLC and Lhere Artepe are expecting thousands to descend on Alice Springs during the celebration weekend.

CLC chair Warren Williams said Lhere Artepe was “leading by example” and the same measure proved “successful” when enacted at the CLC’s 30th milestone.

“Our native title holders and long-term residents still remember how successful this measure proved when we celebrated our 30th anniversary at the Anzac Oval,” he said.

Alice Springs Liquor Accord secretariat Sarah Andrews said the issue was “complex”, but “other operators will trade as normal”.

“All operators will work closely with NT Police and the regulator to manage issues if they arise,” she said.

Hayden Rodda, who owns Pigglys and Foodtown, said both of his bottle-shops at his supermarkets would be open.

Pigglys Supermarket and Bottle Shop. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“We didn’t close for Finke, for Red CentreNATS – I don’t see why we should have to shut,” he said.

Mr Rodda said police auxiliary liquor inspectors and the banned drink register would be used at his premises.

A Northern Territory Police spokesperson said Alice Springs police had been in contact with the CLC about its upcoming milestone celebrations.

“We are making appropriate plans for police support to the function as we do with the many other community events held in our district,” they said.

Police outside a bottle shop in Alice Springs

“Police are aware that CLC have undertaken substantial amounts of forward planning for this major milestone and have given consideration to aspects such as accommodation, transport, participant and community safety, as well as return to country for those persons who may travel in for it.”

Tourism and Hospitality minister Marie-Clare Boothby said “the government will not be imposing additional alcohol restrictions” on Alice Springs during celebrations.

Coles, Endeavour Group, and Iris Capital were contacted regarding Liquorland, BWS, the Todd Tavern and Gap View Hotel bottle shops.

A Coles Liquor spokesperson said “we are monitoring the situation closely and will take the appropriate steps if required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our customers, team members and the local community”.

This masthead did not receive a response from Iris Capital or Endeavour Group by deadline.