Temporary restrictions on the sale of alcohol that were introduced to curb antisocial behaviour in Port Augusta have been extended.
South Australia's Liquor and Gambling commissioner, Dini Soulio, said police had reported a decline in poor behaviour over the two weeks the restrictions have been in place.
"The restrictions on opening times appear to have had a positive impact, with a drop in public consumption of alcohol, particularly earlier in the morning," he said in a statement.
"That has enabled health and outreach services to engage with clients to provide counselling, medical assessments and other referral services."
The restrictions were criticised by drug and alcohol support services in Port Augusta for the haste with which they were brought in.
Questions were also raised about who exactly was being targeted.
Licensees have expressed concerns over the last fortnight about the cost of expired goods and the "inconvenience to local residents".
The commission has removed a requirement for local bottleshops to record ID for some sales and restrictions on the purchase of some spirits.
But the ban on bottle shop trading before 11am and limits on fortified and cask wine sales will continue for another month.
"I appreciate there have been concerns about the requirements around recording identification and purchases on restricted sales and the practicalities of doing this," Mr Soulio said.
Some still not consulted
John Reid, the acting chief executive of the local Pika Wiya Aboriginal Health Service, said it still had not been consulted.
Already struggling with the strain of the pandemic, Mr Reid believes these restrictions will mean that sooner or later, people will need to access their services as the liquor restrictions continue.
"We have some long-term alcoholics that access our service, so we have major reservations over people that go through withdrawals."
