Alcohol abuse increases crime and anti-social behaviour across the Territory.
The Territory Labor Government is introducing risked based licence (RBL) fees as part of the update to the Liquor Act to tackle antisocial behaviour and crime.
Industry and stakeholders are currently being consulted about the model.
This draft model ensures any future RBL fees are fair and reasonable to ensure the longevity of the local job creating tourism and hospitality sectors.
Under existing provisions of the Liquor Act there is a once off $200 fee for all types of liquor licences from caf or corner store, to fully fledged bottle shop. Once the licence is issued and the fee of $200 is paid, there are no additional fee charged, including any annual renewal fees.
To put that into context:
A teacher pays an annual registration fee of $88
A Nurse pays an annual registration fee of $170
A paramedic pays annual registration fee of $270
A builder pays an annual registration fee of $1085
The NT is the only jurisdiction not to have implemented an annual licence fee structure.
Introducing a risk based licence fee model tackles alcohol related antisocial behaviour and crime by rewarding responsible businesses with low fees and discounts while targeting businesses who do the wrong thing with financial penalties.
The proposed draft model allows a business to reduce their annual fee by up to 70 per cent, while a maximum penalty of 200 per cent may be applied, implemented in stages of 10%, for a first breach, 25% for a second, 50% for a third, 100% for a fourth and 200% for the fifth breach.
An annual fee calculated according to the risks of different categories of licence and venues is more appropriate and in line with the NT Governments responsibility to the community, as well as communitys expectations.
For example, a restaurant may pay a base fee of approximately $350 to $500, whereas a late night takeaway bottle shop may pay a base fee of $2,000 to reflect the risk associated with volume, late night trading and a takeaway license. These proposed draft base fees are before factoring in any potential discounts or penalties.
Risk based licence fees are most effective antisocial and crime minimisation initiative when it is implemented in conjunction with other measures such as the Banned Drinkers Register, making sure alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services are available; and improving compliance and enforcement by regulators.
For example, a restaurant may pay a base annual fee of approximately $350 to $500, whereas a takeaway bottle shop may pay a base annual fee of around $2,000 to reflect the risk associated with volume and drinking off-premises. These proposed draft base fees are prior to factoring in any potential discounts or penalties.
It is important to remember that no single initiative on its own will have a long term impact on minimising alcohol related harm on Territorians.
The NT Government will continue to engage with industry and a range of stakeholders to determine the most effective and appropriate liquor licence structure that is robust and meets the needs and expectations of the community.
Comments attributable to Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Natasha Fyles:
Territorians have had enough of alcohol fuelled antisocial behaviour and crime. We are targeting alcohol abuse to make our communities safer which is why Risked Based Licence model makes sense, instead of a once off $200 fee.
We wont be repeating the CLP's failed approach of scrapping the BDR, less cops on the beat or increasing the number of liquor licenses across the Territory. Tackling alcohol abuse means our Police have more time and resources to tackle crime. Reducing this violence and crime means more jobs, safer communities and more resources for our schools, hospitals and police.
