Alcohol restrictions in Queensland communities
Aurukun
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
Restricted area
The Aurukun restricted area is the Aurukun Shire including all public and private places. It incorporates the Watson River, Archer River, Kendall River and upper reaches of the Hey River, including all foreshores to the low water mark.
As the Holroyd River is the boundary between Aurukun and Pormpuraaw, the waterway is not restricted. However, the northern and southern sides of the river are included in the restricted area.
Alcohol restrictions
No alcohol or homebrew and homebrew equipment is allowed in the restricted area.
Sly grog
It is illegal to sell alcohol without a licence or permit (sly grog) in Queensland. Penalties apply.
Phone the confidential Sly Grog Hotline on 1800 500 815 to report incidents of sly grog.
Penalties
Maximum penalties for possessing alcohol in the restricted area are:
- first offence 375 penalty units (currently $58,050)
- second offence 525 penalty units (currently $81,280) or 6 months imprisonment
- third or subsequent offence 750 penalty units (currently $116,100) or 18 months imprisonment.
Vehicles found carrying alcohol in the restricted area may be confiscated.
It is also an offence to attempt to bring alcohol into the restricted area. The maximum penalty for this offence is 375 penalty units (currently $58,050).
A maximum of 190 penalty units (currently $29,412) will apply to offenders who:
- possess a homebrew kit or a component of a homebrew kit
- possess equipment or a component of equipment that is being used or has been used to brew alcohol
- possess homebrew concentrate
- supply homemade alcohol to another person in the restricted area.
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $2,941).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2023 is $154.80.
In this guide:
- Aurukun
- Cherbourg
- Doomadgee
- Hope Vale
- Kowanyama
- Lockhart River
- Mapoon
- Mornington Island
- Napranum
- Northern Peninsula Area
- Palm Island
- Pormpuraaw
- Woorabinda
- Wujal Wujal
- Yarrabah