Successful alcohol permit trial extended for 12 months

An alcohol reduction trial managed by the Gove Peninsula community is being extended for 12 months by the NT Government, following 6 months of initial success.

The trial was introduced in October 2023 in an effort to reduce secondary supply and rising rates of alcohol-related crime and domestic and family violence across the Gove Peninsula.

The trial sets daily limits on the amount of takeaway alcohol able to be purchased by permit holders, varying by tier and location within the Gove Peninsula and was set to cease at the end of March 2024.

Preliminary data indicates the trial is having a positive impact, with:

• the sale of spirits dropping
• a decrease in alcohol related assaults across the Peninsula and
• reduction in alcohol related Emergency department presentations at Gove District Hospital.

This extension allows for:

• harm reduction strategies to stay in place
• more data to be collected to determine the effectiveness of this trial
• an opportunity to determine if it can be broadened to other communities.

All Nhulunbuy-based take away liquor outlets operating under the previous scheme have been automatically extended under the trial system.

All residents of the Gove Peninsula are encouraged to Have Your Say during the trial.