Submissions are invited from liquor licence holders and community stakeholders in Alice Springs and surrounds on proposed changes to licence conditions regulating takeaway alcohol sales.
On 12 June 2018, following an own initiative inquiry, the Northern Territory Liquor Commission (the Commission) varied conditions regulating takeaway sales for 19 liquor licences in the Barkly region.
In its decision, the Commission noted that it had received community representations to also hold a similar inquiry in Alice Springs.
Richard Coates, Chairperson of the NT Liquor Commission, says after considering those representations the Commission has decided to initiate an inquiry into the licence conditions regulating the supply of takeaway liquor in Alice Springs and the surrounding district.
‘This week we sent notices to all relevant takeaway licensees notifying them of the review that will commence on 1 September 2018,’ Richard Coates says.
‘These licensees as well as community organisations, stakeholders, support groups and members of the public are encouraged to make submissions on the conditions that should apply to takeaway alcohol sales in Alice Springs and the surrounding areas,’ Richard Coates says.
Currently, takeaway liquor is available from 10 outlets to the Alice Springs public from 2 pm to 9 pm Monday to Friday, and from 10 am to 9 pm on Saturdays and public holidays excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day. On Sundays, takeaway liquor is available from two drive-through bottle shops between noon and 9 pm.
It is prohibited to sell longneck beer bottles or wine casks larger than two litres in Alice Springs. In addition, no more than one bottle of fortified wine or wine cask may be purchased per person per day, and only after 6pm.
Once the consultation period has ended and submissions have been considered, the Commission will determine if any variations of conditions are proposed, and issue any necessary notices to affected licensees, with reasons. Licensees have been invited to respond within 28 days, following which the Commission will issue its final decision regarding takeaway liquor licence conditions.
Further details will be published at https://justice.nt.gov.au/regulatory-services/licensing-boards,-committees-and-advisory-councils/liquor-commission.
The Liquor Commission is an independent statutory authority established under the Liquor Commission Act 2018. The Commission has extensive powers to regulate liquor licensing in the Northern Territory and is the primary decision-maker in regards to liquor licence applications and in hearing and determining complaints under the Liquor Act.
Media contact for interviews:
Email: liquor.commission@nt.gov.au
Phone: 08 8999 1800