Australia bans takeaway alcohol in Northern Territory

Australia has restricted alcohol sales in the Northern Territory to improve community safety.

The Northern Territory government is working with the Australian government and local communities to take immediate action to tackle the ‘urgent challenges’ facing Alice Springs.

For three months, takeaway sales of alcohol will be prohibited on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Furthermore, alcohol sales will be restricted between 3pm and 7pm on other days. Consumers will only be allowed to make one alcohol purchase per day.

The restrictions are in response to an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour in the region.

Dorrelle Anderson has been appointed as central Australian regional controller, and will lead the consultation with communities regarding the reintroduction of alcohol restrictions and and opt-out system for individual communities. The consultation will end on 1 February.

Asked during a TV interview if a total ban could be introduced, Anthony Albanese, prime minister of Australia, said: “That’s an option that we completely have said is there on the table.

“It isn’t just alcohol. There’s a range of issues there that go to Indigenous disadvantage, that go to a lack of employment.”

The Australian government will invest AU$48.8 million (US$34.7m) over two years in Alice Springs to combat crime, keep women and children safe, and provide support to young people in communities.

Dorrelle Anderson has been appointed as central Australian regional controller, and will lead the consultation with communities regarding the reintroduction of alcohol restrictions and and opt-out system for individual communities. The consultation will end on 1 February.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, South Africa repeatedly introduced bans on alcohol sales as part of its efforts to stem the spread of the virus.