Liquor Regulation Amendments to come into effect
The Northern Territory Government has strengthened its Liquor Regulation 2019 (the Regulation) to better address alcohol related harm being experienced in our community.
Amendments to the Regulation include new conditions for grocery stores and takeaway licensees to address the consumption of alcohol on prohibited public places.
From 1, July 2024 licensees and their employees in the Darwin urban liquor control area can refuse service to a customer if:
- the customer cannot state the place where the alcohol is intended to be consumed or,
- if the intended location is a prohibited public place or other restricted area.
The Darwin urban liquor control area and includes Darwin city and surrounds, Palmerston and Coolalinga (including Howard Springs and Virginia).
The area does not include Humpty Doo and Weddell and the areas beyond.
These changes are an extension of measures implemented during COVID-19 to reduce the unlawful consumption of alcohol in public places. During COVID customers in the greater Darwin area were required to provide a legitimate residence to consume take away alcohol.
These measures implemented during COVID had an impact in reducing the unlawful consumption of alcohol in public places in the greater Darwin area.
Amendments to the Regulation are intended to reduce the instances of alcohol consumption in prohibited public places which will help address the high levels of alcohol related harm being experienced within our community.
These changes are part of a broader suite of measures being rolled out by the Territory Government to tackle alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour in the Northern Territory.
For more information, go to the Northern Territory Government website.
