There are alcohol restrictions in 15 local government areas across Queensland (view an interactive map and see the list below for more detail). These restrictions ban or limit the amount and type of alcohol you can take into a community. In some communities, alcohol is completely banned.
A restricted area is where alcohol restrictions apply. This includes the entire area controlled by the local shire council, unless an area is specifically included or excluded.
Homes are included in restricted areas. Beaches, wharves and riverbeds can also be included in the restricted area.
It depends on the community (see list below). The maximum amount of alcohol a person can carry within the restricted area is known as an alcohol 'carriage limit'. In some communities no alcohol is allowed (an alcohol carriage limit of zero).
Alcohol carriage limits apply to:
There are 4 specific roads where an exemption to the alcohol restrictions may apply if you meet the requirements of a ‘bona fide traveller’.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet 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.
No alcohol or homebrew and homebrew equipment is allowed in the restricted area.
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.
Maximum penalties for possessing alcohol in the restricted area are:
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 $60,487).
A maximum of 190 penalty units (currently $30,647) will apply to offenders who:
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
The Cherbourg restricted area is the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire including all public and private places. This includes the banks of the Barambah Creek bounding the community and the waterway where it passes through Cherbourg.
The maximum amount of alcohol that a person can carry in Cherbourg Shire is:
This amount is per person on foot or per vehicle, boat or aircraft regardless of the number of people in it. Light or mid-strength beer is the only type of alcohol allowed in your home.
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.
Maximum penalties for possessing illegal alcohol in the restricted area are:
Vehicles found carrying alcohol above the set quantity in the restricted area may be confiscated.
It is also an offence to attempt to bring alcohol above the set quantity into the restricted area. The maximum is 375 penalty units (currently $60,487).
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
The Doomadgee restricted area is the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire including all public and private places. This includes both banks and the bed of the Nicholson River where it is next to the community area.
The restricted area does not include Old Doomadgee.
The Savannah Way and Doomadgee Roadhouse in Doomadgee are specified roads/facilities where a bona fide traveller exemption may be applicable for people travelling through the restricted area.
The maximum amount of alcohol that a person can have in the restricted area is:
This amount is per person on foot or per vehicle, boat or aircraft regardless of the number of people in it.
No homebrew and homebrew equipment is allowed in the restricted area.
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.
Maximum penalties for possessing illegal alcohol in the restricted area are:
Vehicles found carrying alcohol above the set quantity in the restricted area may be confiscated.
It is also an offence to attempt to bring alcohol above the set quantity into the restricted area. The maximum is 375 penalty units (currently $60,487).
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
A maximum of 190 penalty units (currently $30,647) will apply to offenders who:
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
The Hope Vale restricted area is the Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire including all public and private places.
Sections of the Isabella Creek-McIvor River Road, Barrett Creek Road and Cameron Creek Road that pass through the shire are excluded from the restricted area because they lead to private properties in Cook Shire.
The maximum amount of alcohol that a person can have in the restricted area is:
or
Cask wine, fortified wine, full-strength beer and pre-mixed spirits are not allowed in Hope Vale.
This amount is per person on foot or per vehicle, boat or aircraft regardless of the number of people in it.
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.
Maximum penalties for possessing illegal alcohol in the restricted area are:
Vehicles found carrying alcohol above the set quantity in the restricted area may be confiscated.
It is also an offence to attempt to bring alcohol above the set quantity into the restricted area. The maximum is 375 penalty units (currently $60,487).
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
The Kowanyama restricted area is the Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire including all public and private places. This includes the Errk Oykangand National Park (formerly known as the Mitchell-Alice Rivers National Park) and the Mitchell River and:
The rest of the Topsy Creek waterway and the other parts of the Coleman River are not part of the restricted area.
The maximum amount of alcohol that a person can have in the restricted area is:
Fortified wine (including muscat, port and sherry) is not allowed in Kowanyama.
This amount is per person on foot, or per vehicle, boat or aircraft regardless of the number of people in it.
No homebrew and homebrew equipment is allowed in the restricted area.
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.
Maximum penalties for possessing illegal alcohol in the restricted area are:
Vehicles found carrying alcohol above the set quantity 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 $60,487).
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
The Lockhart River restricted area is the Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire including all public and private places.
Portland Roads Road and Frenchmen’s Road in Lockhart River are specified roads where a ‘bona fide traveller’ exemption may be applicable for people travelling through the restricted area.
No alcohol or homebrew and homebrew equipment is allowed in the restricted area.
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.
Maximum penalties for possessing alcohol in the restricted area are:
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 $60,487).
A maximum of 190 penalty units (currently $30,647) will apply to offenders who:
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
The Mapoon restricted area is the Mapoon Aboriginal Shire including all public and private places. The restricted area includes all beaches and foreshores above the low tide level. This includes Janie Creek and the mouth of and lower reaches of the Wenlock River where it is bound on both sides by the community area.
All creeks on the northern and southern sides of the Wenlock River are included in the restricted area.
However, the southern side is within the Napranum restricted area.
The lower and middle reaches of the Pennefather River are not included in the restricted area.
The maximum amount of alcohol that a person can have in the restricted area is:
or
This amount is per person on foot, or per vehicle, boat or aircraft regardless of the number of people in it.
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.
Maximum penalties for possessing illegal alcohol in the restricted area are:
Vehicles found carrying alcohol above the set quantity in the restricted area may be confiscated.
It is also an offence to attempt to bring alcohol above the set quantity into the restricted area. The maximum is 375 penalty units (currently $60,487).
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
The Mornington Island restricted area is the Mornington Shire including all public and private places. This includes all foreshores and the 23 islands in the Wellesley, South Wellesley, Forsythe and Bountiful Island groups and Sweers Island.
Sweers Island Resort is the only licensed premise in the restricted area of Mornington Island. The resort is licensed to sell alcohol to residents and their guests only.
From 6 October 2023, the maximum amount of alcohol that a person can have in the restricted area is:
This amount is per person on foot, or per vehicle, boat or aircraft regardless of the number of people in it.
No homebrew or homebrew equipment is allowed in the restricted area.
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.
Maximum penalties for possessing alcohol in the restricted area are:
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 $60,487).
A maximum of 190 penalty units (currently $30,647) will apply to offenders who:
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
The Napranum restricted area is the Napranum Aboriginal Shire including all public and private places. This includes all waterways where both banks are within the shire.
The section of the Peninsula Development Road that passes through the shire is excluded from the restricted area.
No alcohol or homebrew and homebrew equipment is allowed in the restricted area.
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.
Maximum penalties for possessing alcohol in the restricted area are:
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 $60,487).
A maximum of 190 penalty units (currently $30,647) will apply to offenders who:
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
The Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) restricted area covers the communities that make up the NPA Regional Council (Bamaga, Injinoo, New Mapoon, Seisia and Umagico) and includes all public and private places within these communities. This includes the Bamaga/Injinoo Airport and Seisia Wharf.
It does not include Injinoo land south of Cowal Creek or Cowal Creek waterway, but includes its northern banks.
The maximum amount of alcohol a person can have in the restricted area is:
or
This amount is per person on foot, or per vehicle, boat or aircraft regardless of the number of people in it.
However, the Loyalty Beach, New Mapoon and Seisia Camping Grounds are designated wet areas. Registered guests of these camping grounds are permitted to drink alcohol in accordance with the carriage limit.
There are several licensed premises in the restricted area where alcohol can only be sold for on-premises consumption to residents and their guests, or to a person who is eating a meal on the premises. Where takeaway sales are allowed, 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.
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.
Maximum penalties for possessing illegal alcohol in the restricted area are:
Vehicles found carrying alcohol above the set quantity in the restricted area may be confiscated.
It is also an offence to attempt to bring alcohol above the set quantity into the restricted area. The maximum is 375 penalty units (currently $60,487).
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
The Palm Island restricted area is the Palm Island Aboriginal Shire which incorporates 10 of the 13 islands and includes all public and private places on these islands.
The group of islands in the Palm Island Shire Council area are Fantome (Eumilli), Curacoa (Noogoo), Barber (Boodthean), Esk (Soopun), Falcon (Carbooroo), Eclipse (Garoogubbee), Brisk (Culgarool), Fly, Havannah and Great Palm.
The restricted area also includes all island foreshores to the low water mark, the Palm Island Jetty and the Palm Island Airport.
The maximum amount of alcohol a person can carry in the restricted area is:
This amount is per person on foot, or per vehicle, boat or aircraft regardless of the number of people in it. However, the barge company and most plane companies do not allow anyone to bring alcohol on board, including in their luggage or freight.
The Palm Island ferry is not subject to the alcohol restrictions but for journeys to Palm Island the ferry company requires any alcohol brought on board from the mainland to be locked away for the duration of the trip. When stepping onto the Palm Island jetty from the ferry, a person must not have more alcohol than is allowed under the restrictions.
There is one licensed premises in the restricted area known as the Coolgaree Bay Sports Bar and Bistro, where alcohol can only be sold for on-premises or off-premises consumption to a patron with a valid membership card. Takeaway sales must be made in accordance with the licence conditions and the carriage limit.
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.
Maximum penalties for possessing illegal alcohol in the restricted area are:
Vehicles found carrying alcohol above the set quantity in the restricted area may be confiscated.
It is also an offence to attempt to bring alcohol above the set quantity into the restricted area. The maximum is 375 penalty units (currently $60,487).
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
The Pormpuraaw restricted area is the Pormpuraaw Shire and includes all public and private places and the foreshore of the community area.
The maximum amount of alcohol that a person can have in the restricted area is:
This amount is per person on foot, or per vehicle, boat or aircraft regardless of the number of people in it.
No homebrew and homebrew equipment are allowed in the restricted area.
There is one licensed premises known as the Pormpuraaw United Brothers Sports Club. Alcohol is available for sale and consumption on the premises and for takeaway, as per conditions of licence.
Alcohol may only be sold or supplied for drink on the club premises or for takeaway to:
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.
Maximum penalties for possessing illegal alcohol in the restricted area are:
Vehicles found carrying alcohol above the set quantity 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 $60,487).
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
The Woorabinda restricted area is the Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire area including all public and private places.
Small sections of the Dawson Highway, Aphis Creek Road and the Fitzroy Development Road that pass through the shire are excluded.
No alcohol or homebrew and homebrew equipment is allowed in the restricted area.
It is illegal to sell alcohol without a licence or permit (sly grog) in Queensland. Penalties apply.
To report incidents of sly grog, phone the confidential Sly Grog Hotline on 1800 500 815.
Maximum penalties for possessing alcohol in the restricted area are:
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 $60,487).
A maximum of 190 penalty units (currently $30,647) will apply to offenders who:
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
The Wujal Wujal restricted area is the Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire area including all public and private places. This includes all foreshores to the low watermark, internal waterways and roads.
In 2010, three land lots on the southern side of the Bloomfield Crossing were added to the restricted area. This includes lot 8 on plan RP903515, lot 9 on plan RP903516 and lot 10 on RP903517 and all roads, tracks, proposed roads and foreshores that pass through or bound the shire area.
The following roads and public areas are specified roads and public facilities where a 'bona fide traveller' exemption may be applicable for people travelling through the restricted area:
No alcohol or homebrew and homebrew equipment is allowed in the restricted area.
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.
Maximum penalties for possessing alcohol in the restricted area are:
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 $60,487).
A maximum of 190 penalty units (currently $30,647) will apply to offenders who:
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
You are not allowed to drink alcohol in a public place in Queensland, unless the area is an approved wet area.
The Yarrabah restricted area is the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire and includes all public and private places.
The maximum amount of alcohol a person can have in the restricted area is limited to:
or
Fortified wine, full-strength beer and pre-mixed spirits are not allowed in Yarrabah.
This amount is per person on foot, or per vehicle, boat or aircraft regardless of the number of people in it.
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.
Maximum penalties for possessing illegal alcohol in the restricted area are:
Vehicles found carrying alcohol above the set quantity in the restricted area may be confiscated.
It is also an offence to attempt to bring alcohol above the set quantity into the restricted area. The maximum is 375 penalty units (currently $60,487).
The maximum penalty for possessing alcohol in a dry place is 19 penalty units (currently $3,064).
These penalties apply to all people living in, travelling through, visiting or working in the restricted area.
The penalty unit from 1 July 2024 is $161.30.
Alcohol restrictions in Queensland communities, 05 Aug 2022, [https://oss-uat.clients.squiz.net/firstnations/community-alcohol-restrictions/remote-discrete-communities]
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