GP says alcohol restrictions have already had ‘very, very significant’ impact in Alice Springs

Temporary alcohol restrictions in Alice Springs have already led to a drastic reduction in crime.

Under the new temporary restrictions, no takeaway alcohol can be sold in Alice Springs on Mondays and Tuesdays and sales are limited to between 3pm and 7pm on remaining days.

Alice Springs GP, Dr John Boffa, told 3AW’s Neil Mitchell the ban on takeaway alcohol on Monday and Tuesday led to a “very, very significant turnaround”.

Press PLAY below to hear the staggering stats on how alcohol restrictions have impacted crime rates

Dr Boffa is calling for previous alcohol restrictions in Aboriginal communities, which ended in July last year, to be reinstated.

He also wants to see more work in childhood development, education and other social determinants of alcohol dependence.

The Northern Territory’s chief minister, Natasha Fyles, confirmed there’s been a notable decrease in police callouts and domestic violence.

But she cautioned it’s only a “short term measure” and “at some point people find workarounds”.

Press PLAY below to hear what Dr Boffa had to say