Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Liquor Licence Buyback Continues In Alice Springs

Joint Media Release with:

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

The Northern Territory Government, with support from the Australian Government, has successfully negotiated the buyback of an Alice Springs takeaway liquor licence.

After extensive negotiations with the licensees of Hoppy’s Cash Store, the NT Government has acquired its takeaway liquor licence.

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin said the buyback of the licence was funded by the Australian Government under the Alice Springs Transformation Plan, as part of its commitment to enhance social support services and benefit the wider community.

“We know that reducing the supply of alcohol is a key part of reducing the impact of alcohol related harm on the community. This is one of the priorities of the transformation plan,” Ms Macklin said.

“This buyback will help reduce the level of alcohol-fuelled violence and antisocial behaviour in Alice Springs.

“The Northern Territory and Commonwealth Governments are committed to addressing alcohol-related issues in Alice Springs, and the policy of buying back anomalous licences is one of those strategies.”

Minister for Central Australia Karl Hampton said one of the key strategies of the Alice Springs Alcohol Management Plan, a community driven initiative to address alcohol-related issues, is the buyback of liquor licences.

“The Alice Springs Alcohol Management Plan, introduced in 2006, aims to reduce alcohol consumption and the number of takeaway licences in the town,” Mr Hampton said.

“The Department of Justice assessed current licences in Alice Springs against the principles of the Liquor Act, particularly whether certain licences would be granted under current alcohol licensing policy.

“That assessment identified three takeaway licences in Alice Springs as inconsistent with current licensing policy – Hoppy’s Cash Store, BP Gap and Heavitree Gap Store.

“We are continuing to negotiate with the two other takeaway licensees in an endeavour to buyback these licenses and further reduce alcohol related harm in Alice Springs.

“Although Hoppy’s Cash Store was a long term licensee, the need for a liquor licence in a store that trades predominantly as a general store is not consistent with contemporary licensing policy and practice.

“The Northern Territory Government has only purchased the liquor licence; the company will continue to trade as a convenience store.”

Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon MP thanked the proprietors of Hoppy’s Cash Store for agreeing to surrender their takeaway liquor licence.

“The proprietors have shown a mature and responsible approach to playing their part in reducing the harm that excessive alcohol consumption has in our community,” Mr Snowdon said.