Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Second Liquor Licence buyback in Alice Springs

Joint Media Release with:

  • Karl Hampton MLA, Northern Territory Minister for Central Australia
    Warren Snowdon MP, Minister for Indigenous Health Member for Lingiari

The Northern Territory Government has successfully negotiated the buyback of a second takeaway liquor licence in Alice Springs, with the support of the Australian Government. This builds on the substantial reforms being introduced through the $150m Alice Springs Transformation Plan.

The Northern Territory Government has acquired the BP Gap Service Station’s takeaway liquor licence following extensive negotiations with the licensees.
It follows the buyback in April this year of the takeaway liquor licence held by Hoppy’s Cash Store in Alice Springs.

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said the buyback of the second licence demonstrates the commitment of both the Australian and Northern Territory Governments to reduce alcohol-related harm in Alice Springs.

“We are committed to making a difference in the community through the Alice Springs Transformation Plan,” Ms Macklin said.

“We are serious about tackling the uncontrolled drinking and anti-social behaviour which has caused much harm to local people and damaged property in Alice Springs.

“The buyback of takeaway liquor licences will help reduce the density of liquor outlets in the town.

Ms Macklin said the Australian Government was also strengthening support services, like the successful Safe and Sober Program which has more than 370 people currently receiving intensive support.

Problems associated with alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse are also being considered as part of the ‘Stronger Futures’ consultations, currently being held across the Northern Territory.

Minister for Central Australia Karl Hampton said the buyback of liquor licences was a key strategy in managing alcohol-related harm in Alice Springs.

“The licensees’ decision to hand back their liquor license shows their support for this work. The Northern Territory Government is committed to ensuring licenses meet current alcohol licensing policy,” Mr Hampton said.

“This is also a key strategy of the Alice Springs Alcohol Management Plan, which is a community driven initiative to address alcohol-related issues in the town.”

“This plan comes in addition to the Territory Government’s ‘enough is enough’ alcohol reforms including the Banned Drinkers Register.

“In collaboration with the liquor licence buyback initiative and increased efforts in alcohol rehabilitation, we as a community will see real results for the whole Alice Springs community.”