Meekatharra police impose short-term liquor restrictions due to spike in family violence

Meekatharra police imposed short-term liquor restrictions over the weekend due to increasing instances of alcohol-fuelled violence in the Mid West town. Mid West Gascoyne Superintendent Steve Post said the restrictions were imposed in Meekatharra form 6pm on Sunday, March 24 and finished on Monday, March 25 at 11:59pm. “They were imposed by the Meekatharra accord for the benefit of the wider community due to the unusually high prevalence of family and domestic violence that was being experienced throughout the weekend,” he said. Supt Post added the restrictions were imposed “to protect potential victims and their families and assist healthcare professionals and first responders” The restrictions were in relation to full strength takeaway alcohol. Owner of the Royal Mail Hotel, Tim Feng, said during restrictions he noticed some customers were disappointed. “Some people are innocent. They do nothing but they can’t buy alcohol because of what other people have done,” he said. “Sometimes it’s four or five days (restrictions) and some people will leave town.” The restrictions were announced via the Mid West Gascoyne Police Facebook page.