By Lilia Guan

Darwin City Council has welcomed a Northern Territory Government initiative to stamp out alcohol fuelled violence and crime.

Communities within Darwin and Palmerston were encouraged on Tuesday to add their voices to the NT Government’s Alcohol Management Plan (APM).

Launched in early September, the AMP was designed to help the community work with councils and Government to put in place actions that will address alcohol related harms within the community.

John Banks, general manager of community and cultural services at Darwin City Council said consultation was being sought from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents.

He said a community education campaign has been rolled out to inform residents and industry members about the AMP.

“The campaign includes recommendations on the control of retail alcohol sales, trading hours and identification to purchase alcohol to address problem drinkers,” Mr Banks said.

The AMP also included an introduction of designated areas in the local CBDs to allow the police to issue on the spot fines or ban problem drinkers; introduction of a Banned Drinker Register; review and extend dry areas and ban the sale of four and five litre casks.

Banks said the Council has for a number of years needed an alcohol management plan. 

“The alcohol problem in Darwin has been above national standards,” he said.

“This has had led to greater levels of violence, higher number of accidents, assaults and the general ill effects of alcohol.”