In response to a review of the Liquor Act, government has authorised for security guards to carry capsicum spray in Northern Territory bottleshops, prompting mixed responses from stakeholders.
The Liquor Act review in 2023 called for harsher penalties for miscreants in Territory licensed premises, but did not actually recommend OC (oleoresin capsicum) spray.
Starting this week, bottleshop private security guards may apply to carry the spray whilst on duty, for what is deemed an ‘added layer’ of protection.
The government also cites increasing fines for people refusing to leave a licensed premise or bottleshop, from $187 to $880.
In March 2023 BWS worker Declan Laverty was allegedly stabbed to death by 19-year-old Keith Kerinauia, who stands accused of the crime. In the aftermath, promises were made to allow bottleshops to keep OC spray.
The product was later issued to public transit safety officers. To date no instances of using the weapon have been recorded.
Territory venues have been educating staff on de-escalation techniques, but Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce told NT News the weapon is about “warding people off” and has been a long time coming.
“It’s not a silver bullet, but we do think it will help protect our staff, our customers and our guards.”
Others think changes to the laws should encompass more, potentially providing authority to deal with “problem drunks” on the street and antisocial behaviour outside of venues, saying the revised legislation “doesn’t go far enough”.
Deemed a serious weapon, OC spray is subject to stringent controls under the NT’s Weapons Control Act, and some are concerned over the fact that security guards are not held to the same level of accountability as the police.
A spokesperson from North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency says they are alarmed by the new powers being issued.
“There are major unanswered questions around adequate training, the impact of use on individuals who may have medical conditions for which exposure to OC spray could be harmful, accountability, and the potential targeting of Aboriginal people.
“Arming security guards with OC spray will not enhance community safety and is instead a disaster waiting to happen.”
