The NT Government will start scanning ID’s at takeaway liquor outlets in Katherine tomorrow to ensure equipment is ready for the Banned Drinker Register’s return on September 1.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
From tomorrow residents and visiting tourists wanting to buy takeaway alcohol will have to show ID before being allowed to purchase.
Health Minister Natasha Fyles said the early scanning allows the equipment and broader system to be tested and for any glitches to be ironed out.
Ms Fyles said the BDR will make the Territory safer by cutting the flow of take away alcohol to problem drinkers.
“The CLP scrapped the BDR in 2012 without having anything to replace it. They made all liquor outlets exempt from having to scan photo ID’s,” she said.
“We promised Territorians that the Government would bring back the BDR – and we are delivering on that promise with legislation passed this week.”
Minister Fyles said that from tomorrow, take-away outlets in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Groote Eylandt and Milikapiti will be required to comply with approved identification scanning requirements under section 31A of the Liquor Act.
“Early scanning won’t pick up people on the BDR as the BDR triggers do not start until 1 September,” she said.
"Early scanning will identify individuals who are already prohibited from buying alcohol under section 31A(2) of the Liquor Act and they won’t be permitted to purchase takeaway alcohol.
"This includes individuals who are subject to a Court ordered bail condition relating to liquor and individuals who are subject to a Domestic and Family Violence order relating to liquor.”
The testing of equipment will continue throughout August.
The BDR returns across the Territory on September 1.