The NT Government will begin testing ID scanners in Katherine next week 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
Health Minister Natasha 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. When alcohol related crime and violence spiked they rushed in a failed and costly Alcohol Mandatory Treatment (AMT) system,” Ms Fyles said.
“We promised Territorians that the Labor Government would bring back the BDR and repeal AMT – and we are delivering on that promise.”
The BDR returns on September 1 across the Northern Territory and all Territorians and visiting tourists will have to show an approved form of ID for scanning.
Minister Fyles said the scanning equipment needed for the BDR is being rolled out across the Territory and will be tested in six regional areas from August 19.
The affected communities include:
- Katherine
- Alice Springs
- Nhulunbuy
- Groote Eylandt
- Tennant Creek
- Milikapiti
Minister Fyles said that from Saturday, August 19, take-away outlets in these communities 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 in the BDR system until September 1,” 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.