Commonwealth alcohol laws that were imposed with the Intervention expired over the weekend, leaving it to communities to decide if they want to keep restrictions.
The laws expired at midnight on Saturday night but changes made to the Territory’s liquor laws in May have made it possible for communities to opt in.
Communities now have six months to make their decision.
While there is support for communities having a greater say, some care concerned that the move has been rushed and done with a lack of consultation.
The National Community Controlled Health Organisation had suggested there should have been an opt-out process instead of an opt-in option.
In the lead up to the laws lifting, there had been concern of alcohol related harms that could follow the lifting of restrictions before communities are able to adequately consult their residents.
Alcohol bans we introduced by the Howard Government in 2007 and continued under Gillard Government in 2012.
