Hospitality sector calls for answers as OC spray yet to roll out in bottleshops

The hospitality sector has called for answers after promises made in the wake of Declan Laverty’s death have yet to be delivered, with revelations just 18 people have undertaken de-escalation training.

The hospitality industry has called for more to be done to protect bottleshop workers, with key promises made in the wake of Declan Laverty’s death yet to be delivered more than 12 months on.

Labor introduced a raft of crime reforms after the tragic stabbing death of 20-year-old Mr Laverty at the end of his shift at the Airport Tavern BWS last March.

The reforms included a pledge to train bottleshop workers in de-escalation techniques to manage anti-social behaviour, and to authorise security guards to carry capsicum OC spray.

So far only 18 people have completed training to manage anti-social behaviour, and OC spray is yet to be rolled out.

OC spray is yet to be rolled out for bottleshop security, and to date just 18 people have undertaken de-escalation training more than a year after the death of Declan Laverty.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said he wanted answers.

“More than 12 months ago this government said they would fast track the rollout of OC spray to our guards as a priority,” he said.

“Three weeks ago we got assurances from the Police Minister it would be the end of this month.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

“Now we are hearing rumblings of May 31 at the earliest.

“At a time when many Territorians are asking for the same right to carry OC spray as West Australians, you have to wonder why there continue to be road blocks put in the way of our qualified and trained guards.”

Shadow Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby said the government had “not prioritised” implementing the safety measures, leaving staff at bottleshops “exposed to danger”.

“Earlier this month there were more ram raids, robberies and attacks on Darwin bottle shops,” she said.

“The Lawler Labor government has completely failed in its plans to keep bottleshop workers safe.”

Shadow Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby. Picture: Fia Walsh

Ms Boothby said the CLP’s plan to “take back control of our streets” included lowering the age of criminal responsibility, strengthening bail laws, and implementing rehabilitation programs for offenders.

Tourism Minister Joel Bowden said Labor had introduced a range of measures to improve community safety, including expanding the rights of bus cops and private security to carry OC spray.

He said that in order to approved to use OC spray, private security companies would be required to undergo a rigorous application and training process under the guidance of NT Police, for which companies will be able to apply from May 31.

Mr Bowden also pointed to expanded stop and scan powers for police under the government’s knife crime reduction strategy, which included more “high-risk” areas being declared in which Territorians could be stopped and wanded for weapons.

“In addition Hospitality NT has offered free de-escalation training through Charles Darwin University for hospitality workers throughout the Territory,” he said.

“In April 2024 we announced an $8 million investment over two years to maintain 21 Transit officers on the bus network, ensuring a safe, reliable and efficient bus service for all Territorians.

“Territory Labor is committed to allowing private security to be equipped with OC spray to make it safer for hospitality workers and training will continue to roll out.”