Queensland Government
Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs

The restricted area covers the communities that make up the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (Bamaga, Injinoo, New Mapoon, Seisia and Umagico). It includes all public and private places within these communities.

It does not include Injinoo land south of Cowal Creek or Cowal Creek waterway, but includes its northern banks.

Alcohol restrictions

The maximum amount of alcohol a person can have in the NPA is:

  • 2 litres of wine (unfortified) and 11.25 litres (1 x 30 can carton) of any strength beer

Or

  • 2 litres of wine (unfortified) and 9 litres (1 x 24 can carton) of premixed spirits of up to 5.5% alcohol/volume

This amount is per person on foot, or per vehicle, boat or aircraft regardless of the number of people in it.

It is an offence to drink in a public place.

However, the Loyalty Beach Camping Ground, New Mapoon and the Seisia Camping Ground are designated wet areas. Registered guests of these camping grounds are permitted to drink alcohol.

There are some licensed premises in the NPA where alcohol is sold for consumption on the premises. No more than the carriage limit can be sold for take away per person or vehicle no matter how many people are in the vehicle.

Dry places

People living in the NPA may apply to have their home declared a 'dry place'.

Penalties

Maximum penalties for possessing illegal alcohol in the NPA are:

  • first offence $37,500
  • second offence $52,500 and/or 6 months imprisonment
  • third offence $75,000 and/or 18 months imprisonment

Vehicles found carrying alcohol in the restricted area may be confiscated.

It is also an offence to attempt to bring illegal alcohol into the restricted area. The maximum penalty is $37,500.

The on the spot fine for drinking in a public place is $100 or $300 if under the age of 18.

The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is $1900.

These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.

More information

You can also call the alcohol limits information line on 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

Restricted area map: Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) (PDF, 1.1 MB)

Help with downloading documents

Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

for more information about the alcohol limits.