Stricter alcohol restrictions for tourist hotspot Broome are on the cards as community concerns mount about worsening anti-social behaviour.

December 4, 2023

The WA premier has backed tougher liquor restrictions for tourist town Broome amid concerns about increasing anti-social behaviour.

Strict Kimberley-wide takeaway alcohol sales limits are already in place, with the Director of Liquor Licensing considering tougher rules for Broome and nearby Derby.

Roger Cook on Monday said liquor restrictions were an important tool for controlling anti-social behaviour in remote and regional communities.

“If people are concerned about the level of anti-social behavior in Broome, and they think that it’s alcohol linked, well, obviously that then leads you to the conclusion that you should place some further restrictions on the sale of alcohol,” he told reporters.

Mr Cook said it was a decision for the WA Commissioner of Liquor and Gaming and pointed to the town of Carnarvon where tough takeaway alcohol sales rules have been in place since May.

“We have significantly reduced the antisocial behavior in Carnarvon,” he said.

“Things have settled down significantly … the community is much safer, there’s less violence, there’s less crime, there’s less presentations to  local hospital.

“So that’s obviously been a success, we should look to replicate that success in other parts of Western Australia.”

Takeaway sales are banned on Sunday and Monday and restricted on other days, with limits on the quantities available for purchase.

Liquor restrictions on takeaway sales are also in place in dozens of towns and communities across the state.

WA is bolstering its banned drinkers register laws, with a trial to start  later in the month that requires takeaway alcohol customers in the Pilbara, Kimberley, Goldfields, Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction to present identification.

According to WA Police, the crime rate in Broome has almost tripled over the past eight years.