Camera surveillance in licensed premises
CCTV is a requirement for some liquor licence authorities, but all venues are strongly encouraged to have a working CCTV system in place.
It helps:
- reduce alcohol-related harm
- support responsible service
- protect your staff, patrons, and community
- assist police and inspectors in identifying incidents.
Get the code of practice for CCTV system in licensed premises PDF (422.5 KB).
Who it applies to
You must follow the code of practice for CCTV system in licensed premises if you:
- have a public bar authority
- trade past midnight under a late night authority (until 2am or 4am)
- sell takeaway alcohol
- have a CCTV condition on your liquor licence
- are part of a local liquor accord and have chosen to install CCTV.
Even if it is not a requirement of your licence, you should consider it as a safety tool. You may also be able to get a discount on your annual risk-based licence fee.
What you need to do
If it is a part of your liquor licence conditions, follow the steps to set up and keep your CCTV running in accordance with the code.
Create a camera surveillance plan (CSP)
Your plan must outline:
- where cameras are placed and why
- system specifications and how it’s secured
- who can access and operate it
- how it’s maintained and checked.
Technical requirements
Your system must:
- be digital
- record at a minimum of 8 frames per second
- capture clear images, even in poor lighting
- display time and date on all footage even when exported
- store footage for at least 14 days but 28 is preferred
- allow quick playback and export of footage.
Camera coverage
Your camera coverage depends on your licence.
If you trade past midnight, or hold a public bar authority, you must cover:
- entrances and exits (inside and to a radius of 10 metres outside)
- bar service areas
- dancefloors, stairs, and other key areas when directed by Licensing NT
- outdoor smoking areas.
If you sell takeaway, cover:
- use of the Banned Drinker Register (BDR) scanner
- the transaction
- staff-customer interaction.
Check your liquor licence for any other CCTV conditions.
Keep it running smoothly
You're responsible for:
- checking the system works at the start of each trading day
- fixing faults within 48 hours or notify Licensing NT if you can’t
- maintaining the equipment
- ensuring it can record at least 15 minutes during a power outage
- closing the venue if CCTV fails during late night hours.
Train your staff
Appoint someone to manage your CCTV system.
They’ll be responsible for:
- managing passwords
- approving changes to the system
- keeping it secure and up to date.
Other staff must:
- know how to use the system
- be trained to spot risky or unlawful behaviour
- follow your procedures.
Setup signs to notify your customers
Put up signs in CCTV areas so staff and customers know recording are in place for safety and security.
Sharing footage
You must provide footage to police or inspectors if they ask, and don’t delete it until they give you the all-clear.
Keep a logbook
Log the following:
- daily start and stop times
- who’s monitoring the system
- any incidents
- when footage is viewed, copied or shared
- the staff trained and authorised to use it.
Read more about licensed premises workplace records.
Annual check-up
At least once a year, a qualified person must check and confirm that your system:
- records clearly
- shows correct time and date
- stores recordings for 28 days
- can create a digital copy of footage.