Liquor outlets can apply for NT Government help to secure their liquor supplies.
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The existing “Alcohol Secure” program which helps outlets across the NT has been expanded.
The existing $5 million Biz Secure Program will be expanded to include the new Alcohol Secure Grants Program to specifically support licensed venues to create a physical barrier to liquor supplies (ie. security windows and doors, internal and external roller doors).
Under Alcohol Secure, eligible applicants can access a grant of either:
- $10,000 for liquor security works without co-contribution, or
- $10,000 PLUS dollar for dollar co-contribution of up to another $10,000 (so $30,000 of security will attract a $20,000 grant from NT Government).
On average, installing security costs a business about $16,000. Under Alcohol Secure, the business would pay only $3000 and NT Government the remaining $13,000.
Additional funding can also be allocated for high-risk venues and/or special case projects (ie. a heritage listed building).
Subject to the terms and conditions, licensed premises such as restaurants, pubs, clubs, cafes, supermarkets and other liquor retailers ARE eligible to apply. Liquor wholesalers are NOT eligible under the program.
One person can access the funding for up to three of their licensed businesses and anyone who has already accessed Biz Secure (but NOT used the money on creating a physical barrier to their liquor) CAN still access Alcohol Secure.
Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said: “Territorians have had a gutful of alcohol-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour – it’s been happening for decades and that’s why we are tackling it head on.
“Alcohol Secure will provide targeted financial support to local licensed premises, to help them secure their liquor stock against theft and damage.
“This program will help stop local licensed businesses being broken into, create more jobs for tradies and support our comprehensive plan to tackle alcohol-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour.”
Hospitality NT chief executive officer Des Crowe said: "We have been discussing this issue with the Government and the impact of alcohol theft and damage to licenses premises, including many restaurants, was having on our industry.
"The new Alcohol Secure program will go a long way to facilitating further preventive methods, to deter business break-ins associated with access to alcohol.
"This grant recognises the poor trading conditions facing small businesses in the NT and we are hopeful that more licensed premises will now be in a position to secure and safeguard their premises."
Just $1.1 million of the $5 million allocation has been spent, according to the NT Opposition, and just $62,000 has been awarded for Katherine.
Opposition leader Gary Higgins said: “Today’s announcement by the Labor government of the widening the net of the BizSecure grants is admittance that the Banned Drinker Register (BDR) and government’s alcohol policy reform is not working.
“This announcement is also an admittance that crime is definitely out of control and that the government has failed to get the BizSecure funding out the door.
“The DTBI annual report clearly states just $1.1 million of the allocated $5 million for BizSecure has actually been spent.”
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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.
