Liquor Enforcement Unit conducts four-day blitz of licensed premises, restricted residences in Newman

A major police sting in Newman last week targeting liquor licensing compliance ended in more than a few infringements after the discovery of a stolen rifle, child exploitation offences, multiple driving offences and more than a dozen liquor licensing breaches. The Perth Liquor Enforcement Unit conducted liquor-restricted premises checks, vehicle stops and other compliance checks in a four-day blitz last week in a bid to curb sly grogging in the area. More than 30 checks at licensed venues and liquor restricted locations in Newman saw 18 infringements issued under the Liquor Control Act and 10 litres of alcohol seized and destroyed by police. One check of a liquor-restricted residence in Newman led to the alleged discovery of an unloaded, unsecured firearm in a hallway cupboard. Police say the .22 bolt action rifle had been reported stolen during a burglary in Brookton in 2018, with a 60-year-old man and 53-year-old woman now assisting police with inquiries. Officers also helped Newman detectives execute a search warrant, which led to a 37-year-old Newman man being arrested and charged with possession of child exploitation material and breaching a family violence restraining order. He will appear before Newman Magistrates Court on March 11. About 30 car stops were also undertaken, which saw two cars impounded for licence offences, 10 traffic infringements and 18 work orders issued for cars deemed not roadworthy. Police stopped a 39-year-old man driving a Toyota Prado last Wednesday, who allegedly had three unrestrained children on board and was subject to 14 court-imposed driver’s licence suspensions. The South Hedland man was issued a surrender notice to impound his car and he was summonsed to face court at a later date. Liquor Enforcement Unit Inspector Doug Stjepic said the unit was there to reduce the impact of alcohol-related harm in the community. “The Liquor Enforcement Unit is committed to working with licensed venues to ensure the responsible service of alcohol,” Insp. Stjepic said. “We have the capability to deploy officers to any district in the State; we will continue to support local efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and the broader community from alcohol related harm.” 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)