Gove Peninsula Liquor Permit System

The Gove Peninsula Liquor Permit System places daily limits on the amount of alcohol that can be purchased in Nhulunbuy. The permit system supports safer and stronger East Arnhem communities and prevents secondary supply.

Background

The liquor permit system on the Gove Peninsula was introduced in 2008 at the request of community leaders through the Gove Peninsula Harmony Group.

The Harmony Group consists of Traditional Owner corporations, community services organisations, NT and Commonwealth Government agencies, NT Police and community leaders from the Gove Peninsula. The Harmony Group membership is not static, and the group welcome diverse perspectives from across the Gove Peninsula communities.

From 1 October 2023 to 31 March 2025, there were trial changes to the Gove Peninsula Takeaway Liquor Permit System, which simplified the previous six-tier liquor permit system to a four-tier system and removed the top ‘unrestricted tier.’ The trial established daily limits on the amount of alcohol that can be purchased.

In consideration of the trial data and community feedback, the Harmony Group recommended the trial’s ongoing implementation and the NT Government agreed to retain trial settings. The Harmony Group will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the liquor permit system and consider community views through this Have Your Say survey.