Friday, December 04, 2009

Australia: Alcohol ban an 'invasion of civil rights'

ABC News reports the Mintabie Miners Progress Association says new laws that bring the far north-west South Australian town into line with the surrounding Aboriginal lands are an invasion of civil rights.

The legislation will restrict alcohol consumption to the local hotel, with no takeaways, and requires all residents and visitors to undergo a police check.

The Government says it will help prevent the trafficking of drugs and alcohol into the rest of the lands.

But the president of the Mintabie Miners Progress Association, Leigh Craggs, says it will kill off the town.

"People can't wander in and have a look around like tourists, our kids can't visit us without a four-week delay so they can get police checks," he said.

"Where's the evidence that we've been selling grog to the Aboriginals? There's been one conviction in over 30 years, it's all anecdotal and it's a complete invasion of civil rights."

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