Kimberley vehicle liquor restrictions announced to combat sly grogging

WA Police will have the discretion to seize and dispose of illegal alcohol on the spot under new regulations to stamp out sly grogging across the Kimberley.

The regulations, which come into effect from Saturday, September 18, will limit the quantity and types of liquor which can be legally transported in a vehicle.

The carriage limits will reflect the liquor restrictions currently in place in the Kimberley under the Emergency Management Act.

The restrictions will allow for one carton of beer, cider or pre-mixed spirits; or three bottles of wine; or one litre of spirits or fortified wine; or a combination of two products per adult in the vehicle, per day.

Vehicles carrying more than five passengers will only be permitted to carry quantities of alcohol for five people.

The carriage limits will apply in Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Kununurra and Wydnham, and within 20km of those towns.

The limits will also apply within five kilometres of dry Aboriginal communities.

Anyone found to be in breach of the regulations faces a maximum fine of $10,000.

Exemptions will apply to tourists, pastoralists, station owners and operators of remote work sites.

Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said the amendments would target the people engaging in ‘sly grogging’ — those who are exploiting vulnerable members of the community by illegally selling liquor to them at inflated prices.

“The social and physical impact of sly grogging, particularly in remote communities, has devastating impacts and I am, pleased to see this important initiative implemented,” she said.