Whyalla council votes for booze ban to slow anti-social behaviour

A major steel town has voted for a citywide ban on alcohol, although councillors concede it is not a ‘silver bullet’ to the town’s behaviour issues.

A major steel producing city has unanimously voted to extend a dry zone as it looks to curb alcohol-related problems and anti-social behaviour.

Whyalla City Council voted for the expanded dry zone following a community vote that revealed overwhelming support for slowing down alcohol-related problems.

In the lead up to the extension, Whyalla Mayor Phill Stone sought community input labelling the feedback as “one of the most significant changes for the community.”

“The one thing within our control is to determine the area of the city that is covered by a dry zone, which is why we are taking action on a citywide dry zone, following community support for the initiative.”

However, Mr Stone conceded the new dry zone would not be a “silver bullet” for resolving alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

“It will take a focused, multi-agency response to tackle the cause of the ongoing issues to achieve real improvements,” he said.

Whyalla, located on South Australia’s Spencer Gulf, has voted to become a ‘dry’ town. Picture: Dean Martin

The proposed Whyalla dry zone. Picture: Supplied

“This will need to include addressing housing issues, increased police resources, helping those who are at-risk to access support and a host of other measures.”

In its council notes, Whyalla council confirmed they would now apply to the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner to have the citywide dry zone implemented.

There will be a period of a few months between the application being lodged and the dry zone being implemented.

In the lead up to the May 19 council decision, Mayor Stone received over 2500 community submissions.

“The decision was not made lightly, as we’re aware this will be a significant change for the community,” Mr Stone said.

“The one thing within our control is to determine the area of the city that is covered by a dry zone, which is why we are taking action on a citywide dry zone, following community support for the initiative.”

The city jumped into the national spotlight back in late February when the Whyalla Steelworks was forced into administration by the South Australian government.

The steelworks, which employs over 1000 people and makes over 1.2 million tonnes of steel each year, was shedding about $1.5m every day before its collapse.

Originally published as Whyalla council votes for booze ban to slow anti-social behaviour