Discussions continue over how to continue businesses’ alcohol variation initiatives

Catering authorities appear to be the best way forward for Territory businesses looking to continue their licence variation initiatives, which operated under the Director of Licensing’s emergency powers until April 1.

CATERING authorities appear to be the best way forward for Territory businesses looking to continue their licence variation initiatives, which operated under the Director of Licensing’s emergency powers until April 1.

The emergency licences allowed for a number of initiatives to enhance the COVID dining experience and provide more income for hospitality businesses, such as the Waterfront Beach Club and the sale of takeaway alcohol with meals from restaurants.

Darwin Waterfront corporation general manager Sam Burke said Waterfront businesses applying for catering authorities would be the best way forward to re-establishing the popular Beach Front lounges.

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“A Catering Authority allows a venue to sell takeaway alcohol with food in limited circumstances,” he said.

“If the Waterfront Corporation’s application is approved, the Beach Club will relaunch bigger and better for the 2021 Dry Season and all participating Waterfront venues could resume the sale of takeaway food and drinks within the Waterfront municipality only.”

Catering authorities could see the Beach Club return in May this year.

Small business Minister Paul Kirby said discussions were continuing.

“The Waterfront is one of the go-to destinations when it comes to enjoying a meal and a drink in the city – and we want to keep it that way,” he said.

“The Beach Club has been a welcome addition to Waterfront, and it has given businesses in the area an opportunity to capitalise on an increase in visitors, and thrive during the pandemic.

“We understand the Waterfront Corporation will be applying for a caterer’s authorisation through the Director of Liquor Licensing.

“If approved by the Director of Liquor Licensing, this will enable venues within the Waterfront precinct to continue to serve a small amount of alcohol with a takeaway meal.”

A Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade spokeswoman said there was no place for the Director of Licensing’s powers to continue and the they were working with businesses to establish the best way forward.

“The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade have had discussions with the hospitality sector regarding the cessation of the exercise of the emergency powers … to vary the conditions of liquor licenses to allow for the sale of limited amounts of takeaway liquor in conjunction with the sale of takeaway meals,” she said.

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“With the easing of the COVID restrictions in the NT, particularly the lifting of patron number restrictions for restaurants, it is no longer appropriate for the Director of Liquor Licencing to continue to use the emergency powers to allow takeaway liquor to be sold with takeaway meals.”

A small number of licensees have contacted the Director of Liquor Licensing to inquire about extending the emergency powers.

“The department continues to work with the hospitality sector around ways to support licensees to adapt to the new economic conditions and incorporate innovative ways to trade,” the spokeswoman said.

“A number of options are being explored in consultation with industry representatives, which will be considered by Government.”

Originally published as Discussions continue over how to continue businesses’ alcohol variation initiatives