The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries has announced that its Banned Drinkers Register was now operating in Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction with buyers of takeaway alcohol required to show photo identification.
The register is already being trialled in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields.
In a statement, the Department said the Banned Drinkers Register prohibited customers from purchasing takeaway alcohol who had either voluntarily elected to be on the register or were subject to a current Prohibition Order or Barring Notice.
“A Prohibition Order is issued by the Director of Liquor Licensing on application by the Police Commissioner and a Barring Notice is issued by the Police Commissioner,” the Department said.
“When bottle shop staff check identification at the point of sale, the scanners show whether an individual is on the register,” it said.
“If the buyer is not listed, the sale can go ahead.”
It said the scanning device also monitored the sale of takeaway alcohol using the Takeaway Alcohol Management System.
“This system supports liquor restrictions by stopping customers from shopping around and buying alcohol above the daily restriction limits in that area,” the Department said.
Minister for Racing and Gaming, Reece Whitby said the register provided a targeted response to problem drinking and empowered individuals by allowing them to voluntarily place themselves on the register.
“Alcohol-related harm is a long-standing, complex issue. There is no easy fix. The Banned Drinkers Register will not be a cure all but I’m confident it will help address alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour in Carnarvon,” Mr Whitby said.
