The Territory Labor Governments comprehensive crack-down on alcohol fuelled crime and violence continues with the launch today of a targeted program Alcohol Secure to help licenced premises across the NT.
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).
Alcohol Secure complements the suite of measures introduced by the Territory Labor Government to address anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime across the Territory including putting on 120 more police, bringing back the Banned Drinkers Register (that the chaotic CLP scrapped) and major alcohol reforms.
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 approx. $16,000. Under Alcohol Secure, the business would pay only $3,000 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.
As stated by Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison.
Territorians have had a gutful of alcohol-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour its been happening for decades and thats 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.
The chaotic CLP Government supported more crime by failing to deliver additional police, scrapping the BDR and cutting funding to youth justice. In stark contrast, the Territory Labor Government is serious about stopping alcohol fuelled crime and violence.
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."
