New purchasing limits for takeaway alcohol will be trialled on the Gove Peninsula from October until March next year, which the government hopes will curb the secondary supply of alcohol causing rising rates of crime and domestic violence.

The Gove Peninsula Harmony Group – a collection of community leaders and key organisations – said the six-month trial that they recommended would replace the current six-level permit scheme with a new “four-tier” system.

The new scheme imposes day-to-day limits on the quantity of alcohol purchased by permit holders according to their tier and location within the community.

Residents with a current liquor permit do not need to register again, and those unrestricted permit holders will be moved into the new top tier. In addition, every takeaway liquor outlet under the former system will be transitioned to the new trial scheme, the government said.

The new scheme is being welcomed by elders.

“Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation supports removing the top unrestricted tier of the permit system and supports setting a maximum take-away limit to reduce the secondary supply of alcohol,” Rirratjingu leader Mandaka Marika said in a government press release on Tuesday.

Trialling the new scheme came after the request of community leaders, key organizations, and Traditional Owners who make up the Gove Peninsula Harmony Group, with the aim of creating a more suitable alcohol purchase scheme for affected communities.

“We are supportive of better local alcohol management as we have seen the damages alcohol causes too often,” Gumatj leader Djawa Yunupingu said.

“We want to take a step forward in building a more tolerant community and create social changes. We are taking actions to build a better future for this region and we hope all community members understand the role they have to play in this challenging enterprise.”

The NT Government is asking those impacted to give their opinion during the ongoing trial phase of the community-based alcohol purchasing limits through its “Have Your Say” website.

An evaluation of the pilot phase will also be undertaken to aid in informing the Gove Peninsula Harmony Group of the new permit system.

“Locally based alcohol decisions are the best decisions. The Gove Peninsula Harmony Group is an example of how communities and government can work together to get the outcome the community wants,” Chief Minister and Minister for Alcohol Policy Natasha Fyles said.

“The primary objective of these changes is to enhance community safety and combat secondary supply of alcohol, where alcohol purchased legally is distributed to those without permits.”