This paper was prepared as the basis for discussion, with representatives of Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and Tangentyere Council, about criticisms which had been widely voiced regarding the report 'Dollars Made from Broken Spirits'. It is clear that, in some regards, the authors of the report went beyond their brief and that there are some serious methodological problems with aspects of the report. However, despite these, the report is sufficiently robust to demonstrate that within the Alice Springs community the majority of people believe that alcohol represents a significant problem in the town, and that there is strong support for, at least, the following:
increased restrictions on the availability of alcohol;
controls on public consumption of alcohol; and
responsible service of alcohol.