Liquor retailers in northern Western Australia have expressed their frustration about the use of alcohol bans to try to contain the spread of COVID-19.
In correspondence seen by the ABC, health authorities and police called for the snap ban on takeaway alcohol sales on Saturday amid concerns intoxicated people would gather in large groups and spread COVID-19, which would put pressure on health and police resources.
The Kununurra Wyndham Alcohol Accord, a voluntary committee formed to oversee alcohol sales in the region, pushed back against the request for restrictions, saying they were too short notice to enact properly, and it was unreasonable to use the spread of COVID-19 as justification.
Police then used provisions in the Liquor Control Act to override the Accord's objections, by using special powers which empowers them to close liquor outlets or restrict supplies because of the perceived threat to public safety.
It comes several weeks after a severe health worker shortage in the region sparked a temporary crackdown on alcohol sales in Kununurra.
COVID-19 the new normal
Accord chairman Darren Spackman, who is also a publican, said he was told community spread of COVID-19 was going to place significant strain on the hospital, St John Ambulance and other agencies.
"The community understands we do need to have liquor restrictions, and nobody complains if they know why they're having restrictions," Mr Spackman said.
"I do understand there are other problems, but we have to come out and tell people what the problems are."
Health workers needed 'night of respite'
In emails viewed by the ABC, a senior WA Country Health Service (WACHS) employee detailed concerns about the number of sick and homeless people in the region.
They also said restrictions would give health workers another "night of respite" to have a chance to "recharge and be ready for the next day".
In a formal statement to the ABC, a spokesperson for WACHS said while the department regretted the disruption the action caused for local businesses, the virus was moving throughout the community and action was needed to minimise the number of people gathering in group settings.
Measure 'uncommon'
Liquor Stores Association of WA (LSAWA) president Peter Peck said liquor restrictions enforced under Section 114 of the Liquor Control Act, which allows police to close licensed premises or cease the sale of alcohol, was uncommon.
"[Section] 114s usually aren't thrown around, and that's probably because most of the time outlets will close voluntarily because our members live in the town they work in," he said.
"The question needs to be asked a) do we have enough nurses and doctors, and b) do we have enough police resources? We obviously don't."
Mr Peck said LSAWA planned to approach government about possible business compensation options when restrictions were introduced on the grounds of COVID-19 concerns.
Council label situation as 'bizarre'
Wyndham-East Kimberley councillor Tony Chafer described the decision to use COVID-19 to implement Section 114 as "bizarre".
"In everyone's living memory here, a Section 114 has never been issued on a bottle shop in Kununurra," he said.
With case numbers rising across the region, Mr Chafer said he was concerned it could set a precedent.
WA Police were contacted for comment.
