More grog restrictions in Tennant Creek would just increase demand for secondary supply, Liquor Commission told

INCREASED restrictions on purchasing alcohol in the Barkly region would merely fuel the market for secondary supply, according to the local mayor

• Proposed Banned Drinkers Register use for Barkly pubs a cause for concern

INCREASED restrictions on purchasing alcohol in the Barkly region would merely fuel the market for secondary supply, Barkly Mayor Jeffrey McLaughlin has warned the NT Liquor Commission.

“While it is possible eased restrictions could reduce secondary supply, it is certain that tightening restrictions will increase secondary supply of alcohol, a problem council is eager to avoid,” Mr McLaughlin wrote in a submission to the commission.

The commission held a hearing in Tennant Creek yesterday to consider submissions on its review of existing liquor licensing conditions in the Barkly region and proposed changes to conditions.

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One change proposed by the commission would expand the Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) so that some licensees in region, including the Tennant Creek Hotel, would be required to check a person’s ID every time they buy a drink at the bar.

In 2018, several restrictions were introduced to the Barkly region to combat alcohol-related harm.

These included reduced opening hours for businesses selling takeaway alcohol and limits on how much takeaway alcohol a person could buy.

Barkly Mayor Jeffrey McLaughlin warned increased restrictions on purchasing alcohol in the Barkly region could fuel a market for a secondary supply.

Mr McLaughlin criticised some current restrictions.

“Council has the view that the current trading hours for takeaway liquor is overly restrictive and should be varied to allow outlets to open earlier, in line with other regional (Alice Springs & Katherine) liquor outlets,” he wrote.

“This may assist to reduce the demand for secondary supply currently flowing into our region while offering additional spending opportunities for tourists.”

Mr McLaughlin noted that secondary supply from interstate and “north of the Barkly” continued to be a serious problem.

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Barkly Region Alcohol and Drug Advisory Group (BRADAAG) corporate services manager Justin Martin wrote to the commission to explain that existing alcohol restrictions in Tennant Creek had failed to reduce consumption.

“Many BRADAAG clients report that secondary supply is rife and that they are being charged around $350.00 for a bottle of Rum,” Mr Martin wrote.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce filed a submission to the review, arguing the commission should rescind the measures introduced in 2018.

“Our view is based on the unfair and discriminatory impact on legitimate and bona fide customers and businesses who have been adversely impacted,” Mr Bruce wrote.