‘UNFAIR’: DRY COMMUNITY RESIDENT DENIED SERVICE AT TOM PRICE BOTTLE SHOPS

Tom Price Bottlemart Express. Credit: Google Maps.

BY JESS AYRE

A resident of the Wakathuni dry community says he was denied service of alcohol in Tom Price at both of the town’s bottle shops because of his address.

Wakathuni is around 20 kilometres from Tom Price.

Abel Dickerson has lived in Wakathuni for many years and says he supports and abides by the alcohol ban when he is there.

He recently tried to purchase a six-pack to consume in Tom Price while visiting, but was denied service.

Wakuthuni liquor restrictions only apply within the restricted area.

Mr Dickerson said he had a right to purchase and consume alcohol in Tom Price.

“I believe in [Wakathuni] being a dry community because I myself was a party to signing the papers for that,” he said.

“Being in a dry community does not mean that they have the right to refuse to sell you a drink to take somewhere else to drink.

“I feel agitated, I feel upset, I feel I’m not treated like any normal person.”

A spokesperson for Tom Price Bottlemart Express told Ngaarda Media Mr Dickerson would only be served if police provided a letter saying Wakathuni residents can drink outside their community.

Tom Price Liquor Land was also approached for comment.

Listen to the full interview with Mr Dickerson: