The East Kimberley chamber of commerce has vehemently opposed a proposed ban on almost all takeaway alcohol in WA's north, putting it at odds with the state's Police Commissioner who wants a far-reaching crackdown.
In 2019, Commissioner Chris Dawson applied to WA's Director for Liquor Licensing to ban Kimberley and Pilbara bottle shops from selling everything except light beer, with a decision expected in the next 12 months.
The chamber's submission to the regulator has condemned the move as a threat to tourism, while lashing the effectiveness of the government's Banned Drinkers Register.
Media reports highlighting confronting findings from a University of Melbourne study have given the issue recent prominence, putting extreme alcohol-related harm in the East Kimberley in the spotlight.
The research led by prominent Indigenous academic Professor Marcia Langton calls for further restrictions on takeaway alcohol and an alignment of the region's patchwork rules to help stop illegal sly grogging.
A summary of the chamber's submission has been provided to the ABC which described the Commissioner's plan as "short-sighted" and "yet another bandaid recommendation".
"The EKCCI vehemently opposes any further changes which would further restrict the sale of takeaway alcohol in Kununurra, effectively banning the sale of takeaway full-strength alcohol," it said.
"Our region relies heavily on the tourism trade which is already impacted by the current alcohol sales restrictions."
The submission also said the ban would hurt the area's livability at a time when businesses were desperately trying to attract outsiders to overcome a chronic dry season worker shortage.
Call to reform Banned Drinkers Register
The business lobby group called on the government to improve the Banned Drinkers Register, which has so far barred just over 100 people from buying alcohol in the Pilbara and Kimberley since the trial started in 2020.
"The BDR is currently a completely under-utilised tool and despite its potential has no real impact," the submission said.
In Mr Dawson's submission on the proposed liquor restrictions, obtained by the media, he criticised the BDR system, pointing out that banned drinkers could still be bought alcohol by friends and family.
Police officers do not have wide discretionary powers to put problem drinkers on the register, rather the inclusions must be voluntary or come through barring notices and prohibition orders enforced following serious instances of violence or anti-social behaviour.
Racing and Gaming Minister Tony Buti said he and the department would continue to work with community groups, licensees and service providers to maximise the effectiveness of the Banned Drinkers Register.
"As the new Minister for Racing and Gaming, I welcome the East Kimberley chamber of commerce’s feedback," he said.
"The Banned Drinkers Register is one of several measures aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.
"It should also be seen as an evolving program that can be improved as the trial matures and more feedback is received."
