The Territory Labor Government recognises that alcohol-related harm continues to be the biggest single social challenge in the Northern Territory, and we are focussed on creating long term and sustainable changes.
In December 2023 the Territory Government introduced a raft of measures to curb alcohol related harm.
One of these changes included giving our hardworking Police more powers to place people on the Banned Drinker Register (BDR), by providing them with a streamlined process to issue a Banned Drinker Order (BDO).
Following the new powers being implemented, 732 individuals have been issued Police BDOs in the last five weeks. In comparison, there were close to 230 BDOs issued in December 2022 through January 2023.
A BDO prohibits the individual consuming, possessing or purchasing alcohol; this stops the misuse of alcohol, and assists in protecting others. A BDO may be issued for 7 days through to 12 months depending on the circumstances. The BDO also provides referral to alcohol treatment programs ranging from psychosocial interventions, counselling and residential rehabilitation.
At the request of Police, a trial change to bottle shop trading hours started in December. The later opening hours supported Police operations, and helped protect those most vulnerable to the harms of alcohol. This ultimately led to a positive outcome in the community
On Friday 26 of January, this trial will conclude and the trading hours will return to 10am.
Police and Liquor licensing NT will now commence a two week blitz on known hotspots targeting alcohol driven anti-social behaviour. Additionally, Police and industry leaders are exploring how to expand the use of the BDR, and other data, to target the issue of secondary supply.
Another measure to target the issue of secondary supply will be the implementation of a legitimate residence clause. This will require people from outside of the Greater Darwin Regional area to demonstrate where they intend to consume alcohol.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police & Minister for Alcohol Policy, Brent Potter:
“Continuing to curb alcohol related harm is a main focus of the Territory Labor Government.
“This new data shows that the faster ways to issue Banned Drinking Orders (BDO) is working. Stopping the supply of alcohol to problem drinkers keeps more people safe. 732 BDOs have been issued in the past month, and that will continue to rise. When a BDO is issued support services for the individual are also provided, including psychosocial interventions, counselling and residential rehabilitation.
“By strengthening police powers to issue Banned Drinking Orders we can protect those harmed by alcohol, and help problem drinkers break the cycle.
“I also thank our hospitality industry, and liquor retailers, for working with us to undertake the opening-hours trial.”
Northern Territory Government
