Police in north west WA have been enforcing new liquor restrictions in Broome and Derby with random breath tests, licence checks and searching for illegal alcohol sales.

The WA State government hope the new measures will reduce alcohol-related violence in the region.

“We saw when the initiative was rolled out in Carnarvon there was an immediate relief right across the community,” Police minister Paul Papalia said.

“There was a commensurate drop in crime right across the Carnarvon community, so I’m hopeful we’ll get similar outcomes.”

In Broome bottle shops can only open from noon to 8pm – a three hour reduction on previous rules, and in Derby they cannot open on Sundays or Mondays.

Kimberley police said their current operation will continue for the foreseeable future.

“People can expect to see more police on the highways, to be stopped, and checked that they are complying with the restrictions,” Supt Steven Thompson said.

“Particularly on the highway between Broome and Derby, but also the highway down to Fitzroy Crossing as well.”