The Northern Territory Government is ramping up its campaign against alcohol fuelled violence, last week granting police the power to ban troublemakers from the Katherine pub precinct.
Alcohol Policy Minister Delia Lawrie announced the new laws, which will enable police to issue banning notices to stop people entering licensed venues in the area, or the area itself, for 48 hours. Police will also be able to apply for a court exclusion order, which can ban repeat offenders for up to 12 months.
Minister Lawrie says banned patrons who enter an area they’ve been banned from will be hit with on the spot fines. “The bans are to put a stop to patrons who drink excessively at licensed venues wreaking havoc when they leave,” she says.
Persons banned from the area may enter it to go to work, their place of residence or to shop. Precinct bans are also operational in Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.
“The responsible majority of Katherine residents should be able to enjoy a safe night out without dealing with violent drunks,” Ms Lawrie says.
“Through initiatives like the precinct bans and the Banned Drinker Register, the Territory Government is turning problem drinkers off tap wherever they are.
“For people who abuse alcohol and hurt our community, the bar is closed.”
