The Northern Territory Government will extend takeaway alcohol restrictions in Alice Springs.
Over the past three months we have seen these alcohol restrictions work, and support our community and frontline workers.
Alcohol-related emergency department presentations at Alice Springs Hospital have almost halved, and domestic violence has dropped by a third in the month since the takeaway alcohol restrictions were reintroduced into the Northern Territory town.
In January we outlined a number of measures to address anti-social behaviour and crime in Alice Springs, with alcohol restrictions being part of this plan.
The Northern Territory Government continues to work with the Federal Government through the Office of the Central Australian Regional Controller to improve services and liveability for people in Central Australia as part of the Commonwealth's $250 million investment into the region.
While this work is underway, the NT Government will continue implementing the following restrictions under Section 88 of the Liquor Act:
One sale per day per person, following industry guidance;Alcohol free days on Monday and Tuesday for takeaway purchases; andLimiting hours of alcohol being sold between 3pm-7pm, except for on Saturdays.
Data will be closely monitored while the Territory Government remains agile with our policy settings.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister and Minister for Alcohol Policy, Natasha Fyles:
"Alcohol-related harm is one of the Territory's biggest social challenges and no government has done more to curb this issue.
"From risk based licensing to the Banned Drinkers Register, from the minimum floor price to our Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors, and with record funding for alcohol treatment services and domestic, family and sexual violence, we continue to invest heavily in this space.
"Continuing these alcohol restrictions will allow us to further implement the Federal Government's $250 million investment into Alice Springs."
Northern Territory Government
