The Lawler Government is continuing to deliver on its common sense plan to reduce anti-social behaviour by strengthening the Territory’s liquor laws.
On 1 July 2024, the on-the-spot penalty for patrons that fail to leave, or attempt to re-enter, a licensed premises after being barred will face a fine of 5 penalty units or $925.
Another measure the Lawler Labor Government is implementing from 1 July is the strengthened Liquor Regulations 2019.
Amendments to the Regulation include new conditions for grocery stores and takeaway licensees to address the consumption of alcohol on prohibited public places.
From 1, July 2024 licensees and their employees in the Darwin urban liquor control area can refuse service to a customer if:
the customer cannot state the place where the alcohol is intended to be consumed or,if the intended location is a prohibited public place or other restricted area.
The licensee or an employee of the licensee is not required to make this request if they believe that doing so would be a risk to the safety of any person on the licensed premises. Security guards at bottle shops also have the ability to use OC spray for protection.
The Three Year Review of the Liquor Act found that this measure had an impact in reducing unlawful consumption of alcohol in public areas.
The requirement will only apply to the Darwin urban liquor control area and includes Darwin city and surrounds, Palmerston and Coolalinga, including Howard Springs and Virginia. The area does not include Humpty Doo and Weddell and the areas beyond.
Public transport will also receive a public safety boost, while reducing cost-of-living from 1 July. From this date, Transit Officers will have powers to tip out alcohol in prohibited places such as bus stops and bus fares will be waived for three months.
As these stronger measures come into effect, the Northern Territory Police are running a three week blitz, cracking down on alcohol related anti-social behaviour across Casuarina, Darwin CBD and Winnellie.
The Lawler Government knows alcohol is the leading cause of anti-social behaviour and stronger regulations are being implemented to drastically reduce alcohol being consumed in prohibited public places.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister, Eva Lawler:
“We’re cracking down on people drinking in banned places where they engage in anti-social behaviour.
“This is another part of my common sense plan to increase community safety and lower crime along with the record $570 million boost to the Police included in the Budget over five years.”
Quotes attributed to Minister for Alcohol Policy, Brent Potter:
“These new laws are an extension of measures we saw brought in throughout COVID-19, they were effective then and will be effective now to drive down the number of problem drinkers in our public places.
“These new laws work hand in hand with the Lawler Labor Government’s landmark investment into the Police Force to reduce crime across the NT, including $561 million in Budget 24 and $570 million over the next five years to deliver 200 more officers, more emergency centre call takers and more resources to protect Territorians.”
Quotes attributed to Minister for Infrastructure, Planning & Logistics, Joel Bowden:
“Transit Safety Officers have been effective in reducing anti-social behaviour on our bus routes across Darwin, now they have more powers to tip out alcohol and reduce the chance of alcohol related harm before it starts.
“Territorians and visitors can also travel for free on public buses in Darwin, Palmerston and Alice Springs with the Territory Labor Government waiving all bus fares for three months.”
Northern Territory Government
