The NT Government’s new alcohol reforms have reached a significant milestone with Point-of-Sale Intervention legislation passing parliament.
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The Minister for Health Natasha Fyles said this will build safer communities, particularly in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine.
“Territorians want safe communities and to achieve that we have to tackle the staggering rates of alcohol fuelled violence and crime in the Territory,” she said.
“The Liquor Amendment (Point of Sale Intervention) Bill 2018 empowers 75 Police Auxiliaries to conduct point of sale duties outside takeaway alcohol shops in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine.”
Recruitment of Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors is underway. The Inspectors will form part of the Territory’s first alcohol squad that will include:
- 75 Police Auxilliary Liquor Inspectors
- 12 police officers to specifically target secondary supply
- 7 operational staff
- 3 prosecutors.
Minister Fyles said passing this legislation meets an important recommendation of the recent Riley Review
The Bill will empower Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors to:
- intervene and stop sales at take away liquor outlets
- question anyone purchasing or planning to buy alcohol to clarify their ID, address and whether they or anyone they plan to supply alcohol to is prohibited from drinking alcohol
- seize and destroy alcohol where necessary
- prevent people from entering or remaining on a licensed premises and to order a licensee not to sell to a person for the day
The Bill also provides new powers to the NT Police Commissioner to suspend a liquor licence for up to 48 hours if:
- considered appropriate in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, riotous conduct, or a breach of the peace or threat to public safety occurs
- the licensee, or an employee or agent of the licensee, is being investigated for an offence against the Liquor Act, and investigating officers reasonably believe the offending is likely to continue
Recruitment for Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors is already underway.
Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
