Liquor restrictions ahead of footy final

Liquor restrictions have been imposed in Broome in the lead-up to the football grand final in the Kimberley town tomorrow.

Hundreds of people supporting the Bidyadanga Emus and the Looma Eagles are expected to attend the West Kimberley Football League match at Haynes Oval, starting at 2pm.

Restrictions on the purchase of takeaway alcohol from bottle shops and hotels were imposed following the grand final in 2015 due to alcohol related anti-social behaviour.

Police and the Broome Liquor Accord took action a day earlier today by placing restrictions on the amount of beer, wine and spirits customers can purchase per transaction until further notice.

Broome Senior Sergeant Brendon Barwick there would be a strong police presence around the town before, during and after the game.

Two general purpose dogs have been flown to Broome to assist with policing this weekend.

Sen. Sgt Barwick said the dogs and their handlers will be on normal patrols and be available for any incident.

A number of local support agencies and service providers will offer free water, fruit and shade structures at Haynes Oval and there will be activities for children of all ages.

“I encourage everyone to enjoy the game, support your team, but remember to respect others and behave, if you don’t then you could be removed and issued a move on notice,” Sen. Sgt Barwick said.

He said the ground tomorrow would be an alcohol-free zone and that any liquor found during entrance searches or inside the ground would be seized or destroyed.

At the same time as the grand final, a joint WA Police and Australian Defence Force exercise code-named Northern Shield is happening in the Kimberley.

Sen. Sgt Barwick said this would possibly see a visible presence of ADF personnel and vehicles around Broome and Derby.

“It is only coincidence that the exercise is happening this weekend into next week, it has been planned for a considerable period of time as you would expect, the exercise will run as scheduled and should have minimal if any impact on local communities,” he said.