Cape York liquor. FYI.

Submitted: Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 17:30
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G,day all,

Hot off the press re liquor on Cape York, namely Pormpuraaw.
New alcohol limits for Pormpuraaw from 4 June

Alcohol restrictions in the Aboriginal community of Pormpuraaw are to be revised as a result of a review of the community's Alcohol Management Plan.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Warren Pitt said the revised carriage limit would allow people to carry six cans of light or mid-strength beer and would become effective on 4 June.

Liquor Licensing Minister Margaret Keech said the restrictions would apply on a per-vehicle basis in all public places.

"Cars, trucks, boats and planes are all vehicles, so a maximum of six cans of light or mid-strength beer can be carried in any vehicle at any time, regardless of the number of people travelling in the vehicle," she said.

"The restriction also includes a total ban on alcoholic spirits and pre-mixed spirit drinks and wine, except sacramental wine used for religious purposes."

The existing limits allow 24 cans of light or mid-strength beer or 12 cans of heavy beer.

Mr Pitt said the carriage limit would apply not only to people living in the Pormpuraaw community, but also to any travellers or tourists who may pass within the community boundaries.

"Reducing the amount of alcohol that can be carried, will further support the community to address concerns around the consumption of alcohol," he said.

"The new carriage limit will also complement the current takeaway limit at the local liquor outlet.

"A comprehensive review of the Pormpuraaw Alcohol Management Plan indicated that a reduction in the amount of alcohol that could be carried into a home would significantly help reduce alcohol-related harm in the community."

Mr Pitt said that to date, the Queensland Government had approved more than $203,000 for various community projects in Pormpuraaw, including:
• the Life through Lyrics project using media to address alcohol issues
• a history project that captures family and community history
• a youth project using the environment to promote leadership activities.

He said the Department of Communities would continue discussions with the Pormpuraaw community regarding any other initiatives that might help address substance misuse, or provide alternatives options to substance use.

FYI
Cheers,
Bros.
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Reply By: Alloy c/t - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 17:37

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 17:37
And how many tourists / $$$ will they lose ??
AnswerID: 237446

Follow Up By: Member - Brian H (QLD) - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 17:45

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 17:45
Agreed. As I see all the rules up in The Cape area .................I'm being penalised for wanting to have a few beers while out enjoying myself ....... I have intentions of selling it.

Maybe a better policing of the current situation is wanted.

Brian
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Follow Up By: Member - Ian H (NSW) - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:08

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:08
The local people have a terrible problem with the booze (as do some of us southerners) so let's help a little. It isn't that hard. After all it is us who made the booze available and gave them the problem. I wish the communities good luck with their efforts.
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Follow Up By: Alloy c/t - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:31

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:31
Ian H , No one is saying or implying that the local populace does not have a problem , but by constant welfare and constant restriction we only increase the problem , giving and setting rules and laws that only apply to a minimal section of a populace that is purely race related does nothing to help ,we are supposedly ALL Australian after all , why should you or I have to forgo one of lifes pleasures to travel in what is ineffect OUR OWN COUNTRY.
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Follow Up By: Member - Ian H (NSW) - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:52

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:52
I do agree with your comments but the rules don't mean you can't have a drink. Just that you are limited to how much is carried in the car at any one time. Do what I did and make 2 trips to the boozery.
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Follow Up By: Member - Crazy Dog (QLD) - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 19:25

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 19:25
Ian,

I work in health in QLD and have for 20 years so I know the effects of it and I understand your comments however you should know that many years ago when I lived in Adelaide as a lad a gentleman named Albert Namatjira when to bat BIG TIME for the right of indigenous Australians to drink and be supplied alcohol. It was generally against the wishes of the then community but the indigenous peoples won the right to drink (as they should) however we did not give them that right - they fought for it and won so please do not blame US for giving it to them... Us oldies would remember the issue of the day....,

Grrr!!!
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Follow Up By: Trevor R (QLD) - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 19:29

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 19:29
"Do what I did and make 2 trips to the boozery."

That makes sense if you are camped at Somerset doesn't it? It seems ludicrious that I as a traveller am being penalised because a local can't tolerate or will abuse the right to consume a few beers and still act responsibly whilst doing so. We have alcoholics in every town and suburb in Australia so why limit the carriage in this area and not the rest of this country? It seems to me someone making the rules up there has a vested intrest in the hotel establishments in that area.

It downright stinks, but I still would not break the law and carry more than six lights but I would consider travelling elsewhere (as will many others).
Regards, Trevor.
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Follow Up By: tessa_51 - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 09:15

Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 09:15
That would leave the place a litle less crowded and more attractive to people like me who can survive a holiday without having to "get on the grog"
tessa
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Follow Up By: Member - Brian H (QLD) - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 12:52

Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 12:52
If I elect to have a few beers while out camping THAT is my choice I can and have done plenty of trips without beer etc BUT I don't like being told what I can and cannot have or take ................... OH of course I can buy it there at BULLS&IT prices and THAT is what I dislike the most.

If I do a trip I will buy what I figure I will have over a month trip and take that with me if possible.

If you class having a few beers as "getting on the grog" I'm not sure what you would class a real session as.

If they are the rules so be it I will not break them .......... but just as happy not to go there plenty of other places to go and relax and get on the grog as you put it.

Look out SA i'm coming to "get on the grog" :)

Brian

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Follow Up By: Alloy c/t - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 16:45

Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 16:45
Tessa 51 ,if you call having a couple of beers ,or a bottle of red / chard whatever, while sitting around the campfire or watching the sunset "getting on the grog " you are just a small tiny minded bigot.
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Reply By: pepper2 - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 17:55

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 17:55
Is this a big or small area can it be bypassed on the way to the top,havent been there yet .

If it is substance abuse they want to control ,how about 0.2% limit on drivers and proscecution for those providing alcohol to locals.

As this seems to apply to boats as well,how much of the shoreline is affected ?how do you police it off shore ?
AnswerID: 237451

Follow Up By: On Patrol (Aust.) - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:11

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:11
pepper2
Easy to miss.

Pormpuraaw is a remote area SW of Coen or NW of Hann River on the west coast of CYP and is not on the "Normal" route north to the tip.

As such it will not affect a large percentage of travellers to the top.

www.pormpuraaw.qld.gov.au/

Colin.
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Reply By: DIO - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:01

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:01
Booze, baccy and birds - the downfall of many a good man.
AnswerID: 237453

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:28

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:28
I don't worry about stupid regulations such as this.
I take my normal quota of alcohol where ever I travel.

It is not in plain view of observers peeking through the window but is certainly more than 6 cans of light beer.

Whoever makes these rules doesn't stop to consider how the rule will be policed.
No one has the right to search your vehicle for "contraband" liquor or anything else, unless they are law officers with probable cause.

Oh, and I wouldn't supply anyone else other than my family and travelling friends so no local indigenous person is going to get drunk on my stash.

So Stuff them!!!
Bill


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AnswerID: 237464

Follow Up By: D-Jack - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:43

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:43
Sandman, I don't know about up north, but in Yalata at least the Police/other authorities have the power to search any containers/vessel within a vehicle which may be used to store liquor. They don't need probable cause (or reasonable cause to suspect as in SA). I would imagine the powers would be similar or greater in northern Aboriginal communities. Be careful. I'm also expecting you're going to get a lot of replies very soon about your rebellious comments!
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FollowupID: 498476

Follow Up By: Steve from Top End Explorer Tours - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:59

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 18:59
Hey Sand man

Come to Jabiru and I will show you a holing yard with about 50+ cars in it, they thought the way you do, only thing now is there walking.

Cheers Steve.
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Follow Up By: donks1 - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 19:27

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 19:27
good luck sand man

there was a post on here last year about someone whinging and bitching beacause they had been charged with carrying too much grog. result, an unplanned trip north and $35,000 fine
they admitted that they knew the rules and still ignored them... no sympathy from me.
we did the cape last year, stuck to the rules, drank plenty off bleep and were fine. sure it was $50.00 a carton, but we enjoyed ourselves, did it the right way and avoided the fine. if you think you won't get checked you're a gambling man.
if you headup that way and get caught, don't complain on this site....you've been warned

donks
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Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 21:15

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 21:15
Steve,

From memory, I would have had about a half dozen bottles of red in the vehicle when I passed through Jabiru. I wasn't advertising the fact, but I also wasn't aware that I shouldn't carry my beverages through the township.

What was I supposed to do?....Throw them away?......Give them to the locals?

Commonsense doesn't prevail in such "democracies".

Oh and by the way, I have witnessed situations where even 6 lights are too much for some people. Drop in to the Hotel at Daly River sometime and view the notices stuck on the fridge door behind the bar.

It doen't matter if the locals knock me on the head and pinch my supply of booze, or my wallet to buy their own. If they want to drink, or sniff petrol, they'll find a way.

Hey!.....Sniff petrol......that starts another debate doesn't it?
Where some of us unfortunate travellers cannot venture into parts unknown, because the local populance has banned petrol engined vehicles.

Get my drift?
Bill


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Follow Up By: Steve from Top End Explorer Tours - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 21:36

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 21:36
These cars were confiscated from the Arnhemland border, There just stored in Jabiru until auction.

You can however have alcohol in Jabiru, You can only get take away from the Golf club but you must be a member, yes if they pay there joining fee and get voted in a black fella can A drink there and B buy takeaway.

There are restrictions on the amount eg: 1 Carton per person per day.

If you think you can get away with it go for it .

Just read my response to your post below first, My info is free.

Steve.

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Reply By: Member - John L G - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 19:01

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 19:01
Sounds to me like there will be a lot of communing with our superior beings with the "Sacramental Wine"....:-)
AnswerID: 237474

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 19:24

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 19:24
Guys,

It still won't stop me. And I don't think I'm rebellious at all, merely standing up for my rights as a traveller to move from point A to C. If point B has a "no booze" policy I will either avoid that point, or travel though without advertising what I am carrying in my vehicle.

If I'm "arrested" for "carrying", I'll take my chances in Court.
Bill


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AnswerID: 237477

Follow Up By: Steve from Top End Explorer Tours - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 19:50

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 19:50
Hey Sand man

It seams you don't quite understand what happens when caught.

It's not a notice and see you in court, They take you car and if your towing a trailer they take that and if you have a boat they take that to.

They take it there and then, no excuses no argument its gone, It doesn't matter how good your lawyer is there is a 95% chance you wont get it back.

So I bid you good luck because with that attitude you will need it, I've also seen them check the crossing to Arnhemland for 30 consecutive days, They were on the caught you side as well.

Steve.
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Follow Up By: Love The Outback - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 21:00

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 21:00
Hi Steve,
I just don't understand, how come that on our trip to Arnhem Land (about 200km "outside Australia") we found tops from Coopers beer??? We are sure, it wasn't brought there by other travellers........we have seen the drinkers as well................
Obviously these restrictions don't work.
We don't bring an alcohol at all. I'm allergic to it. If I drink little, have problem with horrible headache from swollen sinus. But I would never restrict other people.

God gave us humans brain, so why some people can use it, and some not ???
Dana
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FollowupID: 498559

Follow Up By: Steve from Top End Explorer Tours - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 21:13

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 21:13
I'm not saying they don't, but I've never seen a black fella drink Coopers.

I have however seen a white fella drink beer in Arnhemland.

No system is perfect, all I was pointing out was if ya get caught you walk away with little more than your shirt.

Cheers Steve.

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FollowupID: 498566

Follow Up By: Love The Outback - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 21:24

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 21:24
Yes Steve, you definitely RIGHT about that!, and bad luck to the brainless..........
Dana
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FollowupID: 498574

Reply By: Member - Bill F (VIC) - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 20:07

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 20:07
What will they ban after this?

Binge drinkers abuse alcohol-based mouthwash (Alice Springs)

Site Link

Not for or against

Bill F
AnswerID: 237493

Reply By: Kevern - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 20:12

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 20:12
Please excuse my ignorance on this subject but if, as I would like to do, I wanted to have the obligatory glass of champagne at the top but also wished to visit this community can you take said alcohol to the authorities to hold for your time in the community? Is this something that can be done in any area if you are passing through an area that has different rules from where you have come and to which you are going?
AnswerID: 237495

Follow Up By: Steve from Top End Explorer Tours - Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 20:15

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 at 20:15
My only advice would be to ring the Police at the community and ask what the protocol is.

Cheers Steve.
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FollowupID: 498525

Follow Up By: Ford Rodeo - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 13:42

Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 13:42
The Bamaga community is part of the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) which also includes the communities of Injinoo, Seisia, New Mapoon and Umagico.
Bamaga is subject to the NPA alcohol restrictions as follows:
Restricted Area - the entire Bamaga community area.
Liquor Restrictions
The possession of liquor in the restricted area is up to
1 carton (30 x 375ml cans) of beer and 2 litres of wine (not fortified)
OR
1 carton (24 x 375ml cans) of premixed spirits (5.5% alc/vol) and 2 litres of wine (not fortified)
This limit applies equally to a person and to a vehicle, boat or aircraft.
Meaning that a car, plane or boat can only have two litres of wine (not fortified) and either one carton of beer or one carton of premixed spirits in it, regardless of the number of people on board.
Liquor may be consumed at the Bamaga Tavern and the Resort Bamaga.

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Reply By: V8Diesel - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 00:11

Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 00:11
Who checks for it?
AnswerID: 237582

Follow Up By: Trevor R (QLD) - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 13:47

Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 13:47
V8,

I was wondering this also, as well as who gets the fine and if this rule for one could apply to someone's private land. You know there is plenty of station owners who allow travelers on their property, if they were to set up a similar "law" could they, then go out and enforce it to their financial benefit??? and keep the grog to boot.

I wonder how effective these "laws" created for "the people's land" would hold up under the scrutiny of a QC? Surely this same example could be applied to a wider base area if the population saw fit to exercise the same powers....That's if we really are being treated equally?

Trevor.
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FollowupID: 498711

Follow Up By: Steve from Top End Explorer Tours - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 14:08

Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 14:08
I fond this on the NT liquor commission site, I don't think the law has changed that much since and if it has it would be harsher.

kirra.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/AboriginalLB/1985/61.html - 28k -

Cheers Steve.
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FollowupID: 498715

Follow Up By: Steve from Top End Explorer Tours - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 14:10

Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 14:10
Try this

kirra.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/AboriginalLB/1985/61.html
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FollowupID: 498717

Follow Up By: Steve from Top End Explorer Tours - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 14:13

Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 14:13
or this

Site Link
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FollowupID: 498718

Reply By: Rocky_QLD - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 13:57

Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 13:57
I reckon there's not too much to worry about, todays Courier Mail states that 87% of the fines handed out out for breaching alcohol bans by the local indigenous population have not been paid. If its good enough for them it must be good enough for all, after all we are all Australians. Aren't we?
AnswerID: 237648

Reply By: Gramps (NSW) - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 17:47

Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 17:47
LOL on ya blokes and blokesses. 10 replies and 25 followups and nobody has reverted to calling anybody 'racist'. My, my, my, we are growing up :)))))))
AnswerID: 237697

Reply By: V8Diesel - Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 19:06

Thursday, May 03, 2007 at 19:06
The more I read about this the more my skin crawls.

AnswerID: 237720

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