The Northern Territory Government has launched a new, Commonwealth funded campaign to combat sly grog running in 31 remote communities.

Sly grogging entails licensees selling liquor outside their licence conditions and illegal sales of liquor by people who do not hold a liquor licence (allegedly, taxi drivers have taken alcohol into communities).

Recently the maximum penalty for sly grogging has been lifted from $1000 to $34,250 and if liquor is purchased from an unlicensed dealer, a maximum penalty of up to $13,700 can apply.

Sly grogging occurs in communities throughout the NT which have been declared dry, or where there are restrictions around liquor licensing. 

A number of Indigenous communities use restrictions around the availability of alcohol as a means of reducing alcohol-related harms.  Research has shown restrictions imposed at the request of Indigenous communities tend to be more effective than those imposed through external bodies, such as local councils or the Federal Government.

It is one unintended consequence of restricting availability of alcohol in vulnerable communities and can result in some people spending even more of their income on illegal alcohol. Cartons of beer can be sold for over $100 dollars.

Other unintended consequences include risky drinking beyond town or community boundaries, resulting in increased car crashes and injuries.

Delia Lawrie, Minister for Alcohol Policy, said the campaign would highlight the illegal nature of the trade and the trouble it brings to communities.

Two thirds of all assaults and domestic violence incidents across the Territory are alcohol related and the total cost of alcohol misuse to the NT is estimated at $642 million per year in policing, justice, ambulance and health. .

This campaign is another feather in the alcohol reform laws cap that the NT Government has touted as the toughest in the country. By combating sly grogging, the NT Government is actively tackling another problem that arises from areas with restricted access to alcohol.

What do you think – is the cost of coping with a trade in sly grog and other unintended consequences worth making some communities in the NT dry? We’d like to hear from you - especially those of you in the NT.

Until next week,

Sarah Jaggard
Community Mobilisation Policy Officer

DrugInfo has launched its new mobile site to help people connect with local support and access reliable information about drugs and their effects.

The Australian Drug Foundation’s unique DrugInfo Mobile can now be accessed quickly on any make or brand of internet-connected mobile device, including smart phones and tablet computers.

With mobile internet now reaching half of Australia’s online population, and predictions this figure will surge by the end of 2011, the Australian Drug Foundation has embraced new technology to ensure everyone has access to key information.

DrugInfo Mobile provides information on legal and illegal drugs.

http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/

13 – 16 November 2011

Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
The conference will feature an exciting program with a focus on innovative treatment, prevention, law enforcement and policy in the areas of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

The conference will feature both Australian and international speakers. It will offer a range of presentations and workshops.

Featuring original work from the field, conference participants are encouraged to use both traditional modes of communication such as oral and poster presentations, as well as other styles of engagement such as participatory workshops and debates/discussions, film, yarning circles and artwork.

For further comments or enquiries please contact:

Phone:  +61 3 9645 6311

Fax:       +61 3 9645 6322

E-mail:  apsad@wsm.com.au

Alcohol-fuelled violence closes Newcastle Hotel
The Herald, 21 August 2011
A significant police presence was required and a police officer was injured in Newcastle last night after alcohol-related violence forced the early closure of a hotel. Police were called a number of times last night to a Newcastle hotel to deal with alcohol-related assaults and disorder.

Shouts of hypocrisy over Cancer Council ball
The Age, 21 August 2011
The Cancer Council of Tasmania last night held its annual fund-raising gala ball, a $2280 per table affair on Hobart's wharf, with a Greek islands theme. Party-goers were encouraged to get in touch with their ''inner Greek god or goddess'' to the sound of bouzoukis and abundant wine and beer.

iPods and alcohol blamed for rise in pedestrian deaths
Herald Sun, 21 August 2011
Police are blaming iPods, mobiles and alcohol for a rise in pedestrian deaths on Victorian roads. A 20-year-old woman yesterday became the eighth pedestrian to die on the state's roads in August, bringing the 2011 total to 35. At the same time last year, 27 pedestrians had been killed.

Casey booze accord
Casey Weekly, 22 August 2011
Publicans and police are optimistic that Casey's new alcohol accord will reduce problems of drunkenness and violence. Thirty-two licensed venues and liquor outlets have signed up for the accord, which commits them to promote the responsible service, sale and consumption of alcohol.

Club pushes water offer to curb drunks
The West Australian, 22 August 2011
The owner of a Perth nightspot has called on his peers to stop customers getting drunk by encouraging them to drink water. David Heaton, who recently bought Amplifier Capitol in Perth, said his staff were told to offer free water to every third customer in a bid to ensure a safe environment.
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