Community-Controlled Liquor Outlets and Permit Systems

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter reviews two strategies for managing alcohol deployed in some Aboriginal communities: community-owned liquor outlets, usually in the form of licensed clubs, and liquor permit systems that authorise approved individuals to import and consume liquor in communities where doing either is otherwise not allowed under local restrictions.The rationale underlying community-owned outlets is that they retain the revenue derived from drinking by community members in the community, foster a culture of moderation and deter illicit importation of liquor (i.e. ‘grogrunning’). Historically, most community-owned outlets have failed to achieve either the second or third of these objectives, but rather have become centres for heavy drinking and associated harms. Some community-owned outlets, however, have succeeded in fostering moderate drinking, and the chapter outlines factors conducive to their doing so.The use of individual liquor permit systems today is confined to some remote communities in the Northern Territory, Australia, and some Inuit communitiesin Nunavut, Canada. Evidence of their impact is sparse but suggests that liquor permit systems can enhance community management of alcohol provided three conditions are met: permit committees and others responsible for administering permit systems are adequately supported and resourced; effective controls are in place to deal with illegal supply of alcohol, and the rules and procedures that constitute the permit system enjoy legitimacy in the eyes of the community.