Grog bans slashes arrest rate from 70 to zero

Police have declared Tennant Creek's weekend alcohol bans a success after reporting no arrests on Saturday night.

It is understood police can regularly take up to 70 people into protective custody on Saturday nights because of alcohol fuelled and domestic violence.

The Licensing Commission used its emergency powers to restrict the sale of takeaway alcohol from Friday.

The bans restricted takeaway sales to light or mid-strength beer or bottled wine, until midday today.

Divisional Superintendent Bruce Porter said yesterday that the 24 hours following the ban had showed "a remarkable decrease in domestic violence incidences, disturbances and alcohol-related incidents."

However, the local women's shelter was reportedly full by Saturday morning.

The number of women at the shelter was one of the reasons restrictions were introduced.

Licensing Minister Chris Burns said the decision was made at the request of police, who reported a large number of alcohol fuelled disturbances which coincided with the Tennant Creek Show.

"Police have taken a large number of people into protective custody," he said.

The increase in violence included two brawls occurring within hours of each other, one involving up to 70 people.

Fourteen people were treated for wounds at the hospital on Friday.

Licensing Commissioner Richard O'Sullivan said the decision to restrict takeaways had not been taken lightly.

"We're stepping in to stop the problem escalating through alcohol fuelled behaviour," he said.

"We realise this does impose hardship on the licensees and the law abiding citizens.

"It's unfortunate that this takes place during their show weekend but the behaviour of the irresponsible minority has forced the commission's hand in this regard."

Residents and businesses were angry at the impromptu ban that came on the eve of the Tennant Creek show long-weekend.

The Daily Telegraph