Eddie Smith: Carnarvon liquor accord chair quits amid group division as tough new rules show promising signs

Shire of Carnarvon president Eddie Smith has quit as chair of the town’s liquor accord amid bitter division in the group, saying he had been subject to a vilification campaign blaming him for some of the State’s toughest booze restrictions. WA’s director of liquor licensing Lanie Chopping earlier this month responded to shocking rates of alcohol-related crime, family violence and anti-social behaviour by prohibiting packaged liquor sales on Sunday and Monday, and only allowing it between midday and 7pm on other days. She also imposed daily volume limits for packaged liquor sales. Premier Mark McGowan and Racing and Gaming Minister Reece Whitby said she was forced to step in due to the ineffectiveness of the local liquor accord. It is a voluntary agreement between liquor stores, pubs, police, local authorities and the Department of Health to try to reduce harm caused by alcohol misuse, but participants “couldn’t even agree” to weak restrictions, Mr Whitby recently said. During estimates hearings in Parliament on Wednesday, the Minister revealed Mr Smith had that morning written to Ms Chopping advising he was no longer part of the accord and to update her on what had happened since the tough rules were introduced. Mr Smith had previously described parts of the town as looking “like a war zone”. “There has been a concerted effort to vilify myself by a number of people that are very quick to take my statements out of context to benefit their agenda by informing the community that the Shire president is responsible for implementing the restrictions,” he wrote. “While this is disappointing as it impacts the entire shire council as a whole, I want to reiterate my support for the restrictions as I believe the majority of the community are accepting ... like any change, it will take time to become the normal.” Cr Smith went on to say he had heard positive feedback about the results so far, including a reduction in smashed glass on streets. “I have also not received any complaints about alcohol-related antisocial behaviour for the past 10 days,” he wrote. “Previously, complaints were almost daily.” Explaining his departure from the accord, Cr Smith said he believed there was “an element ... that is not interested in working collaboratively and has an agenda” but he would continue to work with authorities to help reduce booze-related harm. Mr Whitby applauded Mr Smith for his efforts and took another swipe at the accord, blaming the liquor retailers in its ranks. “He shouldn’t have had to put up with the nonsense, the ridicule and the stuff that’s going on in Carnarvon and is doing his best for that community,” the Minister said. “It points to a lack of resolve among certain individuals in the town. “This needs a community response and I urge everyone out there including licensees to be part of the solution and not indulge in selfish self-interest.”