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More East Kimberley homes ban alcohol

Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Liquor-restricted homes in the East Kimberley are set to double with 40 new properties in the process of being declared alcohol-free.

Earlier this month, Community Housing Limited received requests from 40 Kununurra houses to become liquor restricted, with the move making it illegal for alcohol to be brought there.

Once officially declared, those caught flouting the law face arrest and a $2000 fine.

More than 40 premises in Kununurra are already registered with prominent signs placed in front of homes.

Under the Liquor Control Amendment Act, passed in October 2011, individuals can apply for their homes to be declared "liquor restricted".

Signs stating "no alcohol" are placed in a prominent place in front of the home by CHL, and the houses can be entered by police and searched if they believe alcohol is present or being consumed.

Police can remove people from the private residences if they are drinking and seize any opened or unopened containers.

Miriuwung elder Agnes Armstrong's home in 'the ranch' area of Kununurra is one of many recently declared alcohol-free after she made the request.

Ms Armstrong, who lives in the house with her family, said she asked police to put a sign near her front door late last month.

"I've seen it on another house," she said.

"It means we can stop people bringing alcohol here.

"They can get themselves in a taxi seat and go somewhere else."

She said "humbugs" were often turning up on her doorstep at night, drunk and playing loud music.

"I told them not to bring any alcohol here," she said.

"We can't sleep at night time.

"There is too much music going on and all the humbugs are in and out the door."

Community Housing Limited State manager Shane Hamilton said the program encouraged tenants to take a preventative measure to address alcohol problems, rather than responding after properties have been affected.

Department for Child Protection district director Fiona Fischer said the move would help tenants reduce antisocial behaviour in their home.

"Once a liquor-restricted premise declaration has been issued, a notice is displayed onsite - this is a big sign that lets people know they cannot drink at the property anymore," she said. Kununurra Police Station Senior Constable Steve Sliskovic said tenants could contact police if people were drinking or in possession of alcohol in liquor-restricted homes.

"Tenants that don't want alcohol and drinking on their property can now access an effective network that will stop it happening in their home," he said.

Tenants who report to Community Housing and Department of Housing will have their request for a liquor restriction directed to the Department for Child Protection and Family Support.

DCP will then help tenants make an application to the Director of Liquor Licensing to have a sign displayed outside their home.