Trial restrictions on the sale of cask wine in Whyalla have been extended until the end of October, as early findings suggest the move is helping to reduce alcohol-related harm in the city.
The temporary measures – which prohibit the sale of four- and five-litre casks of wine, as well as all fortified wine casks – were introduced in mid-April following consultation with the Whyalla Liquor Accord. The Accord includes local licensees, SA Police (SAPOL), Consumer and Business Services, and the Whyalla City Council.
Since the trial began, SAPOL has reported a significant drop in public intoxication and victim-reported crime. Council representatives also say they’ve received anecdotal feedback from the community pointing to improved public safety, particularly around the city’s shopping precinct.
“While it’s early days, it has been encouraging to see an immediate response to the implementation of these restrictions,” said Brett Humphrey, Commissioner for Liquor and Gambling.
“We have chosen to extend the trial to see if these trends continue and will be carefully monitoring the impact over the coming months.”
The Commissioner added that he will meet with local licensees and other members of the Liquor Accord before the extended trial concludes, to discuss the ongoing impacts and consider next steps as summer approaches.
The cask wine restrictions sit alongside existing daily limits on alcohol purchases in Whyalla, including a maximum of one cask of wine, two bottles of spirits, or one of each per customer per day.
