Liquor outlets in Derby's West Kimberley have voted to ramp up restrictions on their own alcohol sales in a bid to better protect victims of domestic violence and other alcohol-related crime.
The Derby Liquor Accord voted on Tuesday to impose tougher restrictions which reflect those currently in place in the East Kimberley, including limited trading hours and stronger purchase limits.
The restrictions are stricter than those currently in place in Broome, which primarily relies on the tourist dollar to keep its economy afloat.
Chantelle Metcalfe, who manages the Derby Lodge, said the community had a long and complicated history with alcohol, but recent floods in the region had seen an uptick in harm.
"Everyone seems to forget that drinking alcohol is a privilege, and unfortunately we live in a community where people cannot self-regulate," she said.
"Until the community can wrap around those that are suffering, and the victims of related offences, as we can move as a community to find a better solution, the restrictions are going to be in place."
She said the while the changes would likely impact accord members' own bottom lines, the majority voted in favour.
"It means that the community we live in is more important than self profit," she said.
The reforms, however, did not receive unanimous support from all licensees in the accord.
"This is going to hopefully end the profiteering from particular licensees in town," she said.
"I hope the community sees that their wellbeing is more important to particular licensees that voted [in favour of restrictions]."
Police support proactive approach
The new restrictions also come after the accord and police opted to close Derby bottle shops in January after an influx of people were evacuated to the town following historic flooding in Fitzroy Crossing.
While the restrictions are a walk-back from January's extraordinary measure of closing all bottle shops, they are a step up on previous years where the Derby Liquor Accord has voted to implement restrictions ad hoc.
Kimberley Police Assistant District Officer Mark Twamley congratulated the accord for taking a proactive approach.
"It's a very complex and deep seated issue … so to see the Derby Liquor Accord come out and impose their own restrictions on the town I think is a very mature and responsible strategy," he said.
"What's also fantastic, of course, is the accord is made up of licensees within the liquor industry.
"To see the liquor industry itself recognise some of the issues in our community, like Derby, and take steps, is very commendable."
Inspector Twamley said those who responsibly drink alcohol had nothing to fear from the restrictions.
"For those members of the community who are dysfunctional with their use of alcohol [restrictions] can make a real difference to their day," he said.
"We can see the data in family and domestic violence and disturbances, and we can see that reduce when the flow of takeaway liquor is reduced."
