Port Augusta bottle shops have been hit with extraordinary orders which restrict opening hours and purchasing and demand customers show identification to be recorded, with SA Police concerned about a recent “increase in alcohol-related offences and antisocial behaviour”.
The state government says it’s “highly unlikely” to continue to waive liquor licence fees for pandemic-hit pubs and clubs, but is open to considering exemption applications from struggling venues.
In an about-face, the State Government has decided to cap hefty liquor licence costs for restaurants and bars wanting to extend trading over the festival season, following criticism that only half of east-end traders could afford to participate in this year’s Rundle Street Fringe party.
Pop-up bars operating over the Fringe will this year be forced to fork out up to thousands of dollars more in temporary liquor licensing costs, prompting concerns small businesses will be locked-out from contributing to the festival’s atmosphere.