The Liquor Stores Association Northern Territory (LSA NT) has commended the NT Government’s decision to update the equipment for the Banned Drinkers Register (BDR).
The BDR is being reintroduced in the territory on September 1 this year, and the LSA NT welcomed the return of an effective scheme, while calling on the Government to update the scanning equipment to replace the old BDR technology that was too unreliable, too slow and too cumbersome.
A trial of the new equipment has already been started, a move welcomed by the LSA NT as it will help to ensure a smooth transition to the BDR for stores.
However, LSA NT President Faye Hartley, has raised questions over the roll-out of the compact mobile scanning devices which are only going to 28 drive-through bottleshops, all of which are attached to hotel licences.
“With this new compact mobile technology now available, we urge the Government to also extend the BDR to other licensed venues to significantly improve the effectiveness of the system,” Hartley said.
“LSA NT again question why the BDR should only apply to off-premise take away purchases? If the Banned Drinkers Register is to efficiently and fully achieve its goal to help curb anti-social behaviour and alcohol related harm – it just doesn’t make sense that someone on the BDR can walk into an on-premise licensed venue and be served with alcohol without being checked.”
LSA NT has previously recommended the BDR should apply to all types of licensed premises – including on-premise consumption venues such as bars, taverns and hotels, as well as take-away outlets.
Hartley added: “The new software will go a long way towards allowing LSA NT member stores to provide a more efficient service to their customers, however is disappointed that the new mobile scanner is only being rolled out to Hotels/Taverns instead of all outlets.
“LSA NT members want to make sure that all law abiding Territorians get a fair go, including those who appreciate the better product range and choose to shop at off-premise stores.”
In May, Endeavour Drinks Group welcomed the reintroduction of the BDR, with General Manager for Corporate Services, Shane Tremble saying, “We are supportive of any measures that specifically target the perpetrators of violence and anti-social behaviour and do not disadvantage the majority of Territorians who drink responsibly. It will be essential that the system works robustly and efficiently so as not to inconvenience the majority of our customers.”