Frustrated residents were made to wait in a long queue to buy alcohol today at the Woolworths complex BWS.
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With just one police auxiliary checking ID's on entry, people were made to wait up to 10 minutes before answering what one customer describes as "intrusive" questions.
The Katherine local, who wished to remain anonymous, was in a rush to get to Edith Falls and said the new protocol was slowing down service.
"[Police Auxilliaries] are asking too many questions, 'how many drinks, where are you taking it, who are you drinking with'," he said.
Katherine received 22 of the 75 police auxiliaries earlier this year as part of the NT Government's plan to stop alcohol-fueled violence in the NT.
The team of new police auxiliaries took over bottle shop duties from regular police.
"People have money and they have a right to spend it how they want," one resident said.
While he acknowledged there was a need for intervention to reduce the alcohol related issues in town, he said the line of questioning was often too intrusive.
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Larrimah local, Debbie, who previously lived in Katherine said the wait was both a nuisance and frustrating.
She said she waited about five - ten minutes before having to show her ID. But she was not asked any further questions.
"I don't think it is working," Debbie said.
"I used to live in Katherine and I don't see a difference.
"Is it bettering the system?"
The Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors form part of a new 97-member strong unit within the NT Police, and include 12 police officers specifically targeting secondary supply, seven operational staff and three prosecutors.
Having just moved to Katherine from Queensland, 77-year-old Peter said that while he was shocked to be in the queue today, it was not a big issue.
"I am retired, so I have all the time in the world.
"But you normally just want to come in and have time to browse and get served.
"I know why it is being done and I can see that it is working but it is a slow system."
He said he also has issue with the two check points, first at the door and then again at point of sale, slowing down service even more.
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