The Northern Territory Government will this week implement an expansion of its alcohol reform initiatives.
In March this year, the Government 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.
Over the course of the coming weeks these grocery stores will cease selling alcohol, said Chief Minister and Minister for Alcohol Policy, Natasha Fyles.
She said there had been a good response to the preliminary Expression of Interest with about 40% of licensees registered to discuss the negotiation process further.
“We are putting Territorians first with world-leading alcohol reforms to cut alcohol related harm and reduce antisocial behaviour in our community. 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,” said Minister Fyles.
“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 are undertaking in Parliament this week. Together we will see a decrease in alcohol related harm,” she said.
