NT government considers alcohol restrictions after alleged Palmerston BWS crime spree

The government is considering alcohol restrictions in the Top End, while the industry is already taking action after Palmerston bottleshop workers were allegedly threatened with knives and axes.

All BWS stores in Darwin and Palmerston will be closed on Saturday to give staff a rest in the wake of alleged threats to workers at a Top End outlet overnight.

The incidents took place throughout Thursday in what police describe as a “very disappointing” night.

Police Minister Kate Worden also said extra police had started visiting crime hotspots, such as bottleshops, service stations and late night foot outlets.

However other measures the government announced on Wednesday morning would take longer to come into effect.

In the meantime, the government has not ruled out similar alcohol restrictions to those in Alice Springs could be announced for the Top End.

“In the coming weeks, we will see that power (to use capsicum spray) going to transit officers,” Ms Worden said.

“We need to make sure that security guards and crowd controllers are offered the appropriate training.

Police Minister Kate Worden has not ruled out temporary alcohol restrictions, like those in Alice Springs, may be placed in Darwin. Picture: File

“We’re working through that, well and truly under way with transit officers, and it won’t be too far behind that that we’ll be able to do something very similar with crowd controllers and security officers.”

Ms Worden said alcohol restrictions in the Top End were “certainly” on the government’s agenda.

“We took strong steps in Alice Springs, and we won’t be afraid to continue to take those strong steps across the Northern Territory if necessary,” she said.

“In coming weeks, we will see the effect that those alcohol restrictions have had on reducing crime in Alice Springs.

“You need to do these things carefully and in a considered way.

“I certainly know that that’s on the government’s agenda.”

Top End bottleshops to close amid crime concerns

An Endeavour Group spokeswoman said Palmerston’s drive-through BWS store would not open its doors on Friday to prioritise staff safety.

“Our focus remains on the safety and wellbeing of our team, customers, and the broader NT community,” she said.

“We constantly assess and update security procedure in our stores to ensure they are fit for purpose.

“A full internal review of each of our sites in the NT and their security and safety measure has already commenced in the wake of this tragedy.”

She said Thursday was the first time the Palmerston store had opened since the alleged murder of Declan Laverty.

The Airport Tavern bottleshop also remains closed.

The spokeswoman said all BWS stores in Darwin would be closed on Saturday after staff at BWS Palmerston on Chung Wah Terrace were allegedly threatened with violence over the five separate incidents.

Bottleshop workers allegedly threatened with violence in chaotic night

NT Police said a 47-year-old man allegedly assaulted an 82-year-old outside a licensed premises in Palmerston at 1.20pm.

Northern Watch Commander Greg Lamb said the man allegedly stole a bank card from the victim.

Mr Lamb said the same man allegedly threatened staff at Palmerston’s BWS store.

“No knife was sighted, however the staff on location believed the (alleged) threats were genuine and the (man) left the location with alcohol at about 3.50pm that afternoon,” he said.

Mr Lamb said the same man returned to the BWS store at 5pm, and staff members alleged he had “a large kitchen knife protruding from his shorts”.

“He (allegedly) threatened to stab staff members and once again made off with alcohol from the location,” he said.

NT Police arrested the man and charged him with possession of a controlled weapon and three counts of aggravated robbery.

They said he would appear in Darwin Local Court on Friday.

Workers at the Palmerston BWS drive through bottleshop were allegedly threatened with violence on Thursday. Picture: Justin Lloyd

In separate incidents, the same BWS store was targeted three more times on Thursday.

Mr Lamb said one man allegedly threatened staff members with an axe while a second man allegedly “helped himself to some alcohol” about 5.30pm.

“The axe wasn’t actually sighted, but the (alleged) offender gave the impression that he did have the object on him,” he said.

NT Police said the two men – aged 28 and 41 – were arrested and each were charged with aggravated robbery.

They said the pair would appear in Darwin Local Court on Friday.

Mr Lamb alleged another man entered the BWS shop at 9.35pm “brandishing a 24cm steak knife”.

He said the man allegedly tried to attack security officers with the knife but was disarmed.

Mr Lamb said the man fled and police were investigating.

Mr Lamb alleged police CCTV showed a group of men attempting to force up the roller doors of the Palmerston BWS at 11.40pm.

He said two men were seen entering the store while others held the door up.

“Males are observed passing bottles of alcohol out to (alleged) co-offenders and three males were observed on CCTV running off shortly before a second group of males attended and also removed alcohol from the premises,” he said.

Mr Lamb said police were investigating the incidents.

Originally published as NT government considers alcohol restrictions after alleged Palmerston BWS crime spree