Alcohol Free Towns

As a follow up, I suspect the law in most cases doesn't make a difference, however if you're just stopping for fuel and a few essential supplies and then moving on, then I don't think anyone is really interested in rigorously enforcing the rule.

* caveat: the above is personal opinion / observation and in no way should be construed as advocating anyone break the law - before I get flamed ....

Sign from outside Finke community.... interesting note:

"It is not an offence to directly transport unopened liquor through a Prescribed Area provided you can clearly demonstrate your destination is outside the Prescribed Area"

As Scott says "use common sense" Remember it is a privilege we are granted permission to travel on aboriginal lands not a right, even though many believe it should be. We therefore travel under their rules and if the traditional owners believe it is causing them a problem they will simply shut the roads, possibly forever. We know alcohol is a problem in some communities and we must not do anything that makes it harder for them to fix their problem.
It is my understanding, but I am not positive, that no one has the authority to search you vehicle except the police and even then, I believe they must have just cause. Make sure that no one has just cause to call the police.
Having said that, if a community was having a problem with alcohol you could find the police stopping ALL traffic and searching for alcohol. Under these circumstances the police do have just cause, you would have to be unlucky, but it could happen. Your call.

In East Arnhem land police can stop anyone when ever they feel like it for grog searches. You are allowed to carry alcohol thru a prohibited area so long as the bottle/can/container is unopened and your destination is a non prescribed area. You are not allowed to camp whilst travelling thru areas that restrictions apply. This means that if you had a half full bottle of wine in your possession you could be in strife. Not only local cops but fed cops can and will stop you. Have been pulled over and asked various questions by the cops doing their job. As I have been in a work vehicle I have had no problems as I don't carry grog in the car. If you cant go a few days without grog and decide to risk it...the fine and embarrassment will be justly deserved. Grog in these areas has and is still causing huge social problems. Don't be part of it.