Public drinking exemption stripped from Palmerston’s only space
The only public drinking space in Palmerston has had its exemption stripped in an attempt to crack down on anti-social behaviour.
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THE only public drinking space in Palmerston has had its exemption stripped as council looks to crack down on anti-social behaviour.
NT Police backed the move to ban drinking at Marlow Lagoon Reserve.
Last year, Palmerston Council moved a motion to temporarily ban the consumption of booze at the reserve for a period of four months.
However last week, the council decided to permanently ban the consumption of booze unless a special permit was sought due to, “significant anti-social behaviour emanating for this location”.
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A report tabled at last week’s council meeting recommended the booze exemption be lifted, “given the positive outcome delivered during the trial”.
“Prior to the commencement of the trial, Northern Territory Police identified in excess of 300 incidents requiring police response to the Marlow Lagoon Reserve over a period of 12 months,” the report read.
An audit found the banning of alcohol from November 2020 to the end of January resulted in a drop of 55 to 60 per cent of anti-social behaviour incidents requiring police intervention.
In a letter to the council on March 8, Acting Senior Sergeant Rob Overall said the ban had been a success for police.
“While there could conceivably be other contributing factors to a reduction in anti-social behaviour related incidents at Marlow Lagoon Reserve, I would suggest the stark contrast of results between the two datasets indicates the trial has made a large and quantifiably positive impact on the social order and public enjoyment of the reserve,” A/Sen Sgt Overall said.
“The NT Police supports the removal of the alcohol exemption for the Marlow Lagoon Recreational Area and will continue to work in partnership with the City of Palmerston, and other stakeholders, on any initiative which will help make the Palmerston community a safe place to live, visit and do business,” he said.
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