Alcohol bans have been extended in Alice Springs as crime rates plummet after months of escalating violence last year.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles confirmed takeaway alcohol restrictions will be extended in Alice Springs for at least another 12 to 18 months.
"Alcohol-related harm is one of the Territory's biggest social challenges, which is why addressing it is one of the Territory Government's biggest priorities," Fyles said.
Fyles told 9News the restrictions will remain for the "foreseeable future" and be reviewed after 12 to 18 months.
The Northern Territory government said alcohol-related emergency department presentations had reduced by a third.
Fyles said reported domestic violence incidents had decreased by 63 per cent since December 2022.
The territory's police force says there has also been a decrease in alcohol-related assaults as well as child protective custody incidents.
"Our police officers, are hospital staff and our social sector workers in Alice have been loud and clear – they are all telling us that these restrictions need to stay in place. We are listening to them," Fyles added.
Fyles acknowledged some residents may not agree with the extension but it is the "right decision".
"It has to be done," she said.
Alcohol restrictions were introduced in February this year in the wake of a spike in crime in remote communities.
Dry zones were implemented across 96 Aboriginal communities in Central Australia.
Out of the 96 communities, 88 already have alcohol bans in place.
The restrictions include limited bottle shop trading hours and takeaway alcohol-free days on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Customers are also restricted to one sale per day at bottle shops to "stop people from going back to get more alcohol if they are already intoxicated", Fyles said.
Communities are also in the process of developing alcohol management plans but Fyles said none have been formally finalised yet.
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