Banned Drinkers Register rolls out in Carnarvon

The register is already being trialled in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields.

The Banned Drinkers Register prohibits customers from purchasing takeaway alcohol who have either voluntarily elected to be on the register or are 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.

When bottle shop staff check identification at the point of sale, the scanners show whether an individual is on the register. If the buyer is not listed, the sale can go ahead.

The scanning device also monitors 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 State Government is introducing new legislation to strengthen the Banned Drinkers Register. Proposed changes include:

• allowing police and the courts to register individuals for alcohol-related offending, including alcohol-related violence and drink driving, not just in or near licensed premises
• allowing health professionals and specialist frontline staff to refer individuals
• requiring online liquor retailers to check the register before going ahead with any sale
• making it an offence to knowingly supply liquor to banned individuals
• giving police the power to seize or dispose of liquor in the possession of someone on the register.

The Banned Drinkers Register and Takeaway Alcohol Management System are maintained by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.