Arabic version: قادة واديي يسعون إلى تجربة لنادٍ اجتماعي

According to ABC News, proponents of a licensed social club in Wadeye want Northern Territory Police and the NT government to permit a trial opening, saying regulated sales could reduce black market liquor use in the remote community.

The club was built on Wadeye’s main street and completed last year, but remains empty while final approvals are pending. Jake Clark, manager of the Murinbata Tribal Development Corporation, said the $4 million venue was paid for by the community and should provide a place for people to share a meal and make limited legal liquor purchases.

Wadeye has about 2,500 residents and alcohol sales are restricted to six mid-strength beers or six pre-mixed cans per person, four days a week. Residents can legally drink only at home under permits issued by NT Police. Police have seized black market alcohol brought in by road, while some residents told the ABC bottles of rum could cost up to $500.

Supporters have proposed a six-week to six-month trial with an independent evaluation. Consultant Bill Ivory said data from police, the health clinic, the women’s safe house and school attendance should be considered. Thamarrurr Development Corporation chairperson Mark Tunmuck-Smith said a six-month trial might reduce alcohol harm, domestic violence orders and the black market.

Other residents oppose the plan. Thamarrurr Youth Centre operator Loretta Mills said more legal drinking could divert money from groceries and worsen conditions for women and children. Deputy chief executive Tracey Leo said more support services, including alcohol rehabilitation, a men’s sobering-up shelter and an alcohol management plan, would be needed if the club opened. Central Division Superintendent Virginia Read said violence would need to fall first, and any trial would need to run long enough to gather adequate data on alcohol-related harm.