Message from the Executive Director
2011 is fast drawing to a close. It has been a very busy year at Licensing, Regulation and Alcohol Strategy (LRAS), with the launch of the ‘Enough is Enough’ Alcohol Reform, especially the introduction of the Banned Drinker Register (BDR) as of 1 July 2011. This is now operational across the Northern Territory, except in East Arnhem.
This year also saw the announcement of the LRAS enforcement policy, which has been developed to assist industry to understand the factors LRAS take into consideration in responding to a breach of licence conditions. It also provides information on the different levels of breaches and the enforcement options which can be applied. At this point, the focus for the Enforcement Policy is on liquor related matters, however it will be rolled out across all areas regulated by LRAS.
I’m very pleased that we have taken this step, and hope that it generates transparency of our objectives and approaches for all our industry participants.
In October, we said thank you and farewell to our Director of Licensing for the past 12 months, Dean Moloney and welcomed Karen Avery to the role. Most of you would know Karen from her role as Director of Regulatory Systems.
I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year and look forward to working with you all to make the year ahead a successful one.
Message from Director of Licensing
As you may be aware, the Executive Director and I visited all the major urban centres recently to conduct information sessions on the new Liquor Act amendments and making industry aware of the new LRAS Enforcement Policy.
It was great that so many industry participants could make it to the sessions. For those who were not able to attend, the Enforcement Policy and an overview of the Liquor Act amendments can be found on our website. At this point, the focus for the Enforcement Policy is on liquor related matters, however it will be rolled out across all areas regulated by LRAS.
In other matters, WA drivers licences changed format from 17 December 2011. We are working to get these new format licences included on the BDR as soon as possible, but have been advised it could be February before they are accepted by the system – we will advise you in due course. Until that time, licenses from WA will need to be entered on the BDR manually. Information on what these new licences look like will also be made available on our website as soon as the information is to hand.
Tobacco licences are due for renewal at the end of the year. When renewing your licenses, a criminal history check must be submitted with the completed form. A fee also applies. The requirements are set out in the Health Department’s Tobacco Control Act. Contact LRAS on 8999 1800 for more information.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your extraordinary efforts in implementing the BDR. Your support and goodwill in undertaking this enormous task is very much appreciated.
On behalf of LRAS, I would like to wish you all the very best for the festive season, and a safe, happy and prosperous year ahead.
Licensing and Compliance
School holidays and the festive season are now upon us. People will no doubt be out and about celebrating and having a good time with family and friends during this period.
Licensing and compliance inspectors will also be active over the festive season and will be working closely with police to ensure people celebrating the season can go out and have a good time without being subject to alcohol-fuelled violence and other unacceptable behaviours.
Inspectors will be specifically targeting:
• Minors on licensed premises and identification methods
• Service of intoxicated persons
• Unacceptable behaviour on premises
• Persons remaining on premises after hours
We all have a role to play in keeping our community safe and by working together we can make a difference to reduce alcohol-related harms and to be more effective in our responses.
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