Banned Drinkers Register devices to get an upgrade

The process for buying alcohol in the NT is about to get an overhaul. The Banned Drinker Register is a contentious part of everyday life but a new upgrade could change it.

The Banned Drinker Register identification scanning time at bottle shops will be slashed from 10 seconds to 1.3 as new devices are rolled out across the NT.

The devices will replace current technology coming to the end of its life. Tablets will be used to streamline technology.

There were 2857 people on the register as of July 2022, with 355 alcohol sales denied in one month as a result of the list.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the register was an important tool in reducing alcohol-related harm in the Northern Territory.

“The Territory Labor government kept our promise to bring back the BDR – and action a raft of other evidence based measures to reduce alcohol related crime and anti-social behaviour,” she said.

The Banned Drinkers Register has been in place for 5 years.

She said the BDR was working alongside other measures to tackle the issues excessive alcohol consumption brings.

“This includes giving police the power to shut down bottle shops caught irresponsibly selling alcohol, stationed Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors on bottle shops and banned additional takeaway liquor licenses,” she said.

Current data puts the number of devices in use around the NT at 250 in more than 160 venues.

Corporate and Digital Development Minister Ngaree Ah Kit said the upgrades were needed to keep up with the changes in technology and issues experienced by some users, and help streamline the purchase process for all Australians.

“The new scanning equipment is designed to work hand-in-hand with new NT driver’s licenses which provide improved security to better protect Territorians from identity theft,” she said.

“The system is also future proofed to work with digital licences issued in other Australian jurisdictions.”

Originally published as Banned Drinkers Register devices to get an upgrade