The Northern Territory government is implementing an expansion of its alcohol reform initiatives this week.
In March this year, it announced a voluntary buy-back scheme of grocery store liquor licences across the Territory.
Eighteen grocery stores have participated in negotiations, with three grocery stores formally accepting an offer, including:
- Wanguri Supermarket
- Parap Road Store
- Anula Foodland
Over the course of the coming weeks, these grocery stores will cease selling alcohol.
There has been a good response to the preliminary Expression of Interest, according to the Northern Territory government, with about 40% of licensees registered to discuss the negotiation process further.
“We’re putting Territorians first with world-leading alcohol reforms to cut alcohol related harm and reduce antisocial behaviour in our community,” says Northern Territory Chief Minister and Minister for Alcohol Policy Natasha Fyles. “This includes measures like the Banned Drinkers Register, risk-based licensing and Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors – but we know there is still more work to do.
“Earlier this year we put this buy-back scheme to local businesses, and we have garnered a positive response. Grocery stores’ main business is to sell groceries.
“This buy-back scheme complements the work that we’re undertaking in Parliament this week. Together, we will see a decrease in alcohol related harm.”
