Licensing NT newsletter: October 2022

The Northern Territory Government has implemented a moratorium on new pokie machine applications in hotels and taverns across Alice Springs. This means applications will not be considered until June 2023.

Racing, gaming and licensing Minister Chansey Paech has implemented the measure while considering changes to the public interest and community impact assessment processes.

Read Minister Paech’s media announcement on the Northern Territory Government Newsroom.

Licensing NT has partnered with Hospitality NT once again to ensure staff at venues where gambling is available complete a responsible service of gambling course every 3 years.

The course is free and is part of an updated Code of Practice for Responsible Gambling, which includes changes such as replacing the community liaison officer role with gaming machine managers and ensuring gaming areas are clearly marked and signage is in prominent locations.

To view the code, go to the Northern Territory Government website.

Licensing NT has established a dedicated team to monitor and regulate the operations of Northern Territory casinos.

The team is based in Darwin and Alice Springs and has the specific job of maintaining the integrity and efficiency of both casino’s operations.

The banned drinker register (BDR) has had an upgrade with new technology that is faster and more effective at scanning identification.

The scanning machines are being replaced with tablets that reduce the approval time from 10 seconds to just over 1 second.

The new technology is also able to read the new Northern Territory (NT) drivers licenses effectively and is future-proofed to work with digital licences issued in other jurisdictions.

The new BDR system is being rolled out progressively throughout the NT. In areas where internet connection is poor, the existing BDR scanners will remain.

Licensees are reminded that invoices will be issued in November for the annual risk-based licensing fee, with payment due on 1 February 2023.

Emails have been distributed requesting information to formulate this year’s fee.

If you have any questions contact Licensing NT by calling 08 8999 1800 or emailing directorliquorlicensing.ditt@nt.gov.au.

Licensees are reminded to lodge applications for Christmas trading or specific events over the festive season at least 30 days prior to the event date or a late fee may apply.

Notifications for New Year’s Eve trading must also be lodged with the director of liquor licensing before 3 December 2022.

Further information and notification forms can be found on the Northern Territory Government website.

Notifications can be made by email to directorliquorlicensing.ditt@nt.gov.au.

Notifications made after 3 December may not be approved.

For any queries email liquorcompliance.ditt@nt.gov.au.