Your questions
- 3 cartons of full strength beer
- 3 cartons of cider
- 3 boxes with 6 bottles of wine in each box (in other words 18 bottles of wine), OR
- 1 carton of beer, one box with 6 bottles of wine, and one bottle of spirits etc.
What are the changes?
Starting on 1 October 2023, current permit holders who live in Yirrkala, Gunyaŋara, Birritjimi and Wallaby Beach Workers Camp will be allowed to buy no more than one carton (up to 30 units) of full strength beer, OR 6 bottles of wine, OR 12 units of premix spirits in one day.
Permit holders who live in Nhulunbuy will be able to buy no more than 3 of these things in one day: one carton of full-strength beer or cider, 6 bottles of wine, 1 bottle of spirits, or one carton of premix spirits. So for example, someone is allowed to buy:
See the new Tier system and more information.
Why have these changes been introduced, and why now?
Community leaders and service providers have been discussing ways to ensure local values and aspirations are reflected in regards to alcohol management on the Gove Peninsula.
This trial is an opportunity to understand how changes to the takeaway alcohol permit system would impact on people’s lives and one of the big reasons for the permit trial is to try to stop Secondary Supply. Secondary Supply is when people with a permit buy alcohol to give or sell to other people who do not have a permit.
Secondary Supply is illegal, and it takes away the respect for leaders’ strong decision-making around responsible alcohol use.
Community leaders believe that most residents who choose to consume alcohol will continue to be able to do so under these trial changes.
Why are there different limits across Nhulunbuy, Yirrkala and Gunyaŋara?
At the direction of leaders in Yirrkala and Gunyaŋara, there have always been different takeaway alcohol limits between Nhulunbuy and the nearby communities. Yolŋu leaders on the Harmony Group wanted the rules to be stronger in Yolŋu communities.
Why does everyone have to take part in the trial?
This trial is only for people living in Nhulunbuy, Yirrkala, Gunyaŋara, and Birritjimi. The communities of Ramingining, Milingimbi, Gapuwiyak and Galiwin’ku are still ‘dry’ communities – it is illegal to sell takeaway alcohol there or take it into these communities and homelands.
Do I need to re-apply for a permit under the trial?
No, if you have a current takeaway alcohol permit, you do not need to re-apply.
I want to have alcohol at my family and/or community event, but the permit tiers might make that difficult. Are there any exemptions for events like this?
For community and private events that require the purchase of more than the maximum daily allowance of liquor you will need to apply for a Special Event permit.
The person purchasing the liquor for the community or private event will need to hold a current liquor permit.