NT Commissioner of Police, Reece Kershaw, exercised his new powers under Section 48B of the Liquor Act and suspended a licensed premises in Tennant Creek from trade for 48 hours.

Katherine Hotel was issued with a warning notice in relation to section 48B of the Liquor Act.

“Police will continue to engage with that venue to ensure compliance with the Act,” police said.

Just last week a liquor licence in Alice Springs was also suspended for 48 hours.

These new powers came into effect late last month.

In Tennant Creek, it is alleged that over the past 21 days there have been 11 separate incidents which required a police response at, or in the immediate vicinity of the licensed premises known as the Tennant Creek Hotel.

This has included drunk persons, general disturbances, disorderly behaviour and an assault against a police officer in the execution of their duty.

Police also claim on June 28 a heavily intoxicated male was located consuming alcohol on premises. Staff were alerted to this occurrence by police.

Furthermore, in the past 21 days there have been 14 referrals identifying the Tennant Creek Hotel as being the place of consumption for the last alcoholic drink prior to an individual committing an offence.

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 including the nature of the incidents and the information which identifies the correlation between alcohol consumption and offending. This is sufficient in my view that further offences are likely, which would pose a threat to public safety, should alcohol service remain available,” Commissioner Kershaw said.

“I’d like to thank the community for working with police and reporting instances of crime and anti-social behaviour,” Commissioner Kershaw said.

“As we’ve said many time before, the community is often our best source of information, so if you see something that doesn’t look right or if you see a crime being committed, please contact police immediately on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Attorney General and Health Minister Natasha Fyles said: “This is why the Government gave the Commissioner of Police the power to shut down any liquor licence deemed to be irresponsibly selling alcohol.

“Let me be clear; irresponsible service and sale of alcohol will not be tolerated as the alcohol related cost to the Territory is too high.

“A liquor licence is a privilege, not a right, and must be treated as such.”