This week the Territory Government will implement an expansion of its alcohol reform initiatives.
In March this year, the Territory Government announced a voluntary buy-back scheme of grocery store liquor licences across the Territory.
Eighteen grocery stores have participated in negotiations, with three grocery stores formally accepting an offer, including:
Wanguri Supermarket;Parap Road Store; andAnula Foodland.
Over the course of the coming weeks these grocery stores will cease selling alcohol.
There has been a good response to the preliminary Expression of Interest with about 40% of licensees registered to discuss the negotiation process further.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister and Minister for Alcohol Policy, Natasha Fyles:
“We are putting Territorians first with world-leading alcohol reforms to cut alcohol related harm and reduce antisocial behaviour in our community. This includes measures like the Banned Drinkers Register, risk-based licensing and Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors – but we know there is still more work to do.
“Earlier this year we put this buy-back scheme to local businesses, and we have garnered a positive response. Grocery stores’ main business is to sell groceries.
“This buy-back scheme complements the work that we are undertaking in Parliament this week. Together we will see a decrease in alcohol related harm.”
Northern Territory Government
