2023-08-02
ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury has invited Canberrans to have their say on proposed reforms to the regulation of same day alcohol delivery services, designed to reduce risks and harm to the community.
The popularity of online ordering and same day delivery of alcohol in Canberra has prompted the ACT Government to seek views on potential regulation to address its risks.
The ACT Government has released a discussion paper on regulation of this emerging retail sector and is encouraging community input on how to best protect customers, delivery drivers and retailers.
Generally, premises from which same day delivery services supply alcohol are currently regulated by Access Canberra as off-licences.
“While these services are convenient for consumers and create retail and employment opportunities, the same day delivery of alcohol presents some risks for the community,” Attorney-General Rattenbury said.
“In particular these include risks for those under the age of 18 and those who are intoxicated when they place an online order.
“Any amendments to the Liquor Act 2010 must support our harm minimisation approach to liquor policy in the ACT, including reducing the risk of consuming alcohol at an early age.
“Given our proximity to NSW, the ACT can draw on the experiences from just over the border.
“In 2021, the NSW Government introduced a framework to regulate alcohol deliveries, making harm minimisation standards more comparable to those at physical bottle shop premises,” Attorney-General Rattenbury said.
The discussion paper can be found on the ACT Government YourSay page.
Consultation closes early September 2023.