New NT driver's licences causing Banned Drinker Register tech issues at bottle shops
THE Territory’s newfangled driver’s licences are causing headaches for bottle shops
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THE Territory’s newfangled driver’s licences are causing headaches for bottle shops with Banned Drinker Register scanners struggling to detect the cards.
The new licence style, which came into effect in November, is supposed to be more durable and more secure from tampering or counterfeiting.
It has been revealed in budget estimates this week that the licences are printed at a high-security facility interstate.
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But in addition to drawing the ire of Territorians who have to wait 28 days to get their new licence via post, it is also frustrating bottle shop staff who are struggling to get BDR scanners to detect the card.
An email sent to takeaway liquor licensees from Licensing NT, obtained by the NT News, revealed the new licence has to be placed in a very specific position on the scanner in order for it to work.
Licensing NT warned if not placed in this specific position, the scanned details would “most likely be incorrect and need significant amendment”.
Alcohol Policy and Licensing Minister Natasha Fyles, during budget estimates on Wednesday, said the issue “had been resolved”.
But the NT News understands bottle shops are still struggling, particularly when using older, more worn BDR scanners and are resorting to the time consuming process of manually entering details.
Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said the issue was being compounded by the Territory’s decade-old BDR system, with scanners failing at increasing rates and taking longer to fix.
“This sounds small but it is slowing down transactions, increasing the administrative burden on businesses and keeps customers waiting longer,” he said.
Ms Fyles, under questioning by the CLP in budget estimates, confirmed there were “no specific plans” in the near future to upgrade BDR equipment.
“But of course as technology continues to evolve and we want to be responsive to business and provide as much information, we will look at that,” she said.
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