'Iconic' Aussie drink banned
Cask wine was (partially) banned in Geraldton, a beachside town in Western Australia after budget boxed beverages were blamed for an increase in alcohol propelled aggression in the area.
The ban covered Fruity Lexia and Tawny Port wines (in their 4L forms) and was sparked by a spike in violence and anti-social behaviour near the foreshore, says Geraldton Police Station acting senior sergeant.
“There is no particular day of the week or time of day when this is happening, it is just basically from when the bottle shops open to when it gets dark,” he told Geraldton Guardian.
“Other regions have their own issues with alcohol consumption in public places, but we would like to try get on top of it before it becomes a major issue for us."
A five-day trial ban ran this week. It is uncertain as to whether tit will continue.
A minimum price of $15 cask is now being charged all other 4L cask wines and people will be limited to being able to buy one 2L cask wine per day.
There has been speculation the ban, which was announced on April Fool’s Day, was a joke. However, major news outlets have reported on it and shown the image below, which makes it all look legitimate.
We're wondering if anyone from Geraldton or nearby knows more about this?
I blame the inventor of the cask, Tom Angove. He made it easy for "goons" to get drunk on cheap wine. Mind you, the two banned wines are a puzzle to me because they are certainly not very strong. I use the Fruity Lexia and the Port to make sangria.
We live almost 400 kms from Geraldton and always stop over at friends on our way to Kalbarri. I love Geraldton, but have to say the "goons" are making it very difficult for people to go out in the evenings.
Although Geraldton is on Yamaji land, the drunken behaviour is caused by both white and black.
The place is a tourist resort and I hope this trial is successful. IMO it should be permanent!