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Canberra Today 14°/16° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Tightening up the supply of booze to children, and restricting who can sell alcohol

SIMON Corbell says new laws passed today will support parents in making decisions in relation to their children and alcohol.

“The Liquor Amendment Bill removed a gap in relation to the supply of liquor to children and young people on private premises, bringing the ACT into line with most other Australian jurisdictions,” Simon said.

“New ‘secondary supply’ offences will prohibit the supply of liquor or low-alcohol liquor to children and young people by anyone other than a parent or guardian or someone authorised by a parent or guardian on private property or land.

“A parent, guardian, or someone authorised, will still be allowed to supply liquor on private property so long as it is done in a responsible manner.”

Other changes expand the functions and membership of the Liquor Advisory Board.

“Given the breadth of alcohol-related issues which are relevant to achieving the Liquor Act’s harm minimisation objective, and the importance of having a range of informed views on these issues, both the board’s role and membership have been widened.

“The broader membership, including the Victims of Crime Commissioner, and representatives for health impacts, young people and off licensees, will allow the board to have a greater focus on strategic issues, and the range of responses that can contribute to addressing alcohol-related harms.”

The Bill also strengthens the provisions which require holders of licences and permits to be suitable people to participate in the liquor industry.

It does this by enabling the Commissioner for Fair Trading to have better access to information about people who could have a significant influence on a licensee or permit-holder, and also allows for the disclosure of criminal intelligence about applicants for licences or permits.

“These measures will contribute to maintaining a safe environment in licensed premises and reducing the risk of criminal elements entering or influencing the industry,” Simon said.

[Photo by ctj71081, attribution licence]

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