By Ian Neubauer
The NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) has drafted a plan to ban the sale of take-away bottles of beer and RTDs in the town of Bourke in north central NSW.
The plan was drafted after local police and community groups asked the OLGR to employ sweeping new powers granted to it under the 2007 Liquor Act to help reduce the impact of alcohol abuse, crime and other problems in Bourke, including masses of broken glass that litter its streets.
Other restrictions recommended in the plan include the banning of fortified wine and alcohol products in containers greater than two litres, and the banning of all but the sale of mid-strength beer and wine between 10:00am and 2:00pm.
The OLGR said the proposal is part of a holistic approach to resolving alcohol-related problems and was drawn following visits to Bourke by the Director of Liquor and Gaming, Albert Gardner.
“Clearly something needs to be done to reduce the impact of alcohol abuse on the community of Bourke,” Gardner said in a statement. “I am calling for input from the licensed venues and the general community about the merits of this plan and any other strategies that might help to make Bourke a safer and better place to live. I will carefully consider every submission before making a final decision.”
Licensees, stakeholders and community members have been given 21 days to respond to the plan before a final.
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