Minister for Police
Joel Bowden
Minster for Business and Jobs
Media Release
Crack down on Alcohol related Anti-social behaviour
6 May 2024
The Territory Labor Government is continuing to deliver its common sense and comprehensive plan to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour by opening applications for private security guards at bottle shops to use OC spray to improve safety.
From today, security guards at bottle shops across the Territory will be able to apply to equip OC Spray at work, which will add another layer of protection for workers and shoppers.
Only private security personnel who have completed the mandatory training and are approved by the Commissioner, will be allowed to carry, possess and use OC Spray while on duty.
All security personnel who apply to carry OC Spray must have completed the nationally accredited "Defend Using Spray" course within the past six months, and also hold the correct first aid qualifications.
The roll-out of OC Spray to private security guards follows extensive consultation with the industry and its use and effectiveness will be monitored closely by authorities such as the Northern Territory Police Force.
OC Spray for private security guards is the latest of a raft of measures put in place by the Territory Labor Government's $570 million plan to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour including hiring an extra 200 police officers over the next four years, adding 25 extra emergency call takers, bolstering the banned drinker registrar and investing an extra $8 million into BizSecure.
To further crack down on alcohol related anti-social behaviour, The Territory Labor Government will be looking to increase fines for refusing to leave a licensed premises to $880.
This deterrent measure comes under the Liquor Legislation Amendment Bill 2024, which will be debated in May when Parliament sits.
To apply for OC Spray as a bottle shop security guard head to https://pfes.nt.gov.au/police/firearmsweapons/licence-and-permit-information
Quotes attributed to Minister for Police, Brent Potter:
"We're working on common sense measures to improve community safety and we've developed a system where private security guards can apply to carry OC Spray to protect workers and shoppers.
"Reducing crime is the Territory Labor Government's top priority and we will work tirelessly to improve community safety right across the NT."
Quotes attributed to Minister for Business and Jobs, Joel Bowden:
"We are working with businesses to make sure their staff are safe.
"Bottleshop workers deserve to be safe on the job and that's why we are working to provide access to OC spray for private security guards."
Quotes attributed to Hospitality NT CEO, Alex Bruce:
"Whilst not a silver bullet OC Spray for guards at bottleshops will help deter violent and threatening behaviour.
"We are also collaborating with Government and NT Police on a Dry Season campaign to encourage patrons to leave when they've been asked to do so."
Northern Territory Government
