NT: Grog bans creating a culture of indigenous resistance
12 Jun 2009 2:34 AM
Health research has revealed alcohol bans in Alice Springs have fostered a culture of resistance in some Aboriginal people .. and driven a wedge between black and white.
A ban on drinking in public places came into effect in the desert town in July 2007 .. and additional restrictions were adopted as part of the Howard government's intervention to combat child sex abuse.
A report by Menzies School of Health Research says overall alcohol consumption since 2006 is down by 18 per cent .. and there's also been a drop in alcohol-related hospital visits and severe assaults.
But it says the unintended consequences of the restrictions are that problem drinkers are being pushed out of town .. and a culture of resistance has developed among some indigenous residents.
AAP RTV tr/wz/psm/
