Alcohol bans

The Little Children are Sacred report identified alcohol abuse as the ‘gravest and fastest growing threat to the safety of Aboriginal children’.

The former Australian Government legislated to modify the Northern Territory Liquor Act, creating new obligations, penalties and requirements that apply in the Northern Territory. These new laws have been in force since 15 September 2007.

In prescribed areas, there is a ban on having, selling, transporting and drinking liquor. Penalties are tougher for people intending to sell liquor. The aim is to help stabilise communities and give them a chance to recover.

Some clubs (licensed premises) in communities are allowed to operate under strict conditions, and existing liquor permits remain, though their operation is being closely examined.

Across the Northern Territory, all people buying take-away liquor above a certain quantity at one time have to show identification, have their addresses recorded and declare where the liquor will be consumed. The aim is to prevent the trafficking of alcohol into prescribed areas.

The legislation provides for the bans to stay in place for five years, but allows the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs to switch off the measures at any time.

Expanded alcohol and drug treatment and rehabilitation services are also being provided.

Further information on the bans and penalties can be found on this website.