NTPA president, Paul McCue, said this should be a warning to all licensees.

NT Commissioner of Police, Reece Kershaw APM, yesterday exercised his powers under Section 48B of the Liquor Act to suspend a licensed premises from trade for a period of not more than 48 hours.

These new powers came into effect late last month.

On July 17, 21 and 23 it was alleged by police that liquor was sold to drunk persons from a licensed supermarket in Alice Springs.

Furthermore, in the past 14 days, police have attended 29 separate incidents on or near that same licensed premises, including general and domestic disturbances, Assaults, Drunk Persons and Liquor Offences.

As a result of this information and allegations the Commissioner was advised that the circumstances warrant the application of section 48B of the Liquor Act.

“I have considered the information provided to me in relation to these allegations, including the repeat nature of the incidents,” Commissioner Kershaw said.

“The level of drunkenness and the correlation between alcohol consumption and offending (in particular domestic and family violence) is sufficient in my view that further offences of this type are likely should alcohol service remain available.”

The supermarket’s licence was suspended until tomorrow.

“The Commissioner is serious about ensuring licenced premises are playing their part in reducing alcohol related harm in the community and ensuring the safety of their patrons,” NTPA president Mr McCue said.

“It is clear now, that if you are not doing the right thing, or ensuring the area around your premises is safe to the public, action will be taken, and we congratulate the Commissioner on this approach.

“We look forward to further action taken using these powers as a strategy to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour,” he said.