One of Port Augusta's alcohol treatment centres and the Member for Giles have thrown their support behind the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner's decision to make the city's alcohol restrictions ongoing from November 1.
Earlier this year, restrictions on bottle shop operating hours and liquor limits were introduced.
With the rules to continue, bottle shops will not be able to open before 11am and a customer can only purchase up to two 750-millilitre bottles of spirits or one 2-litre cask of wine, or one 750ml bottle of fortified wine.
Licensees are also required to use an app called ID Scan SA to track a customer's transactions over a 24-hour period to identify when they have reached their daily limit.
More time to reach people
The Stepping Stones Drug and Alcohol Centre in Port Augusta used to see up to 50 clients a day before the restrictions were put in place.
Chief executive Scott Wilson said the centre now saw between 20 to 40 clients a day, after bottle shops started opening at 11am instead of 8:30am.
"Having bottle shops open at 8:30am really wasn't helpful to anybody, it meant that people were intoxicated by 10 o'clock in the morning," Mr Wilson said.
"Now with the bottle shops not opening until 11am, it gives services like us much more time to try and engage with clients and talk to them about dealing with their alcohol, medical and drug issues.
"It was really difficult for us to get clients who clearly needed medical attention if bottle shops were open at that hour in the morning."
Member for Giles, Eddie Hughes, has thrown his support for the ongoing restrictions.
"It does generate an inconvenience for some people, but I think the restrictions are important especially when you read the evidence the commissioner provided," Mr Hughes said.
"The information from the hospital and ambulance services indicated a significant improvement.
"Just licensing alone isn't going to address the series of issues in Port Augusta, it has to be a multi-layered approach."
Mr Hughes said the state government would announce additional funding for the Safe Cities Program in the near future.
'Benefits outweigh minor inconvenience'
Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio said based on the review, alcohol consumption in Port Augusta resulted in significant antisocial behaviour, harm to the community, and negative health impacts.
"These restrictions are aimed at trying to reduce the amount of alcohol that's being consumed and we're trying to do that in a way that makes it easier for people to get on with their life in Port Augusta," Mr Soulio said.
"With the feedback from police and health services, is that they did see a significant benefit.
"There was a reduction in alcohol-related harm, a reduction in assaults and less behavioural issues.
"These benefits outweigh the minor inconvenience to customers and tourists."
