Where you can drink in public

In the Northern Territory (NT), there are strict rules about where you can and can’t drink in public.

Public drinking is not allowed in major towns, these are known as prohibited public places.

You can drink in private residences and licensed premises.

Rules on public drinking in major towns

All major towns are prohibited public places, this means you cannot consume alcohol in public unless there is a council exemption.

Prohibited places include the townships of:

• Alice Springs
• Darwin
• Katherine
• Palmerston
• Tennant Creek.

Council exemptions in major towns

Darwin City Council has made exemptions for:

• East Point Reserve
• Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
• Nightcliff Foreshore.

For more information on the boundaries, days and times when public drinking is allowed, go to the Darwin City Council website.

Alice Springs also has an exemption where you can drink at the Telegraph Station.

Outside of major towns

Outside of major towns, you can drink in public as long as you’re at least 2km from a licensed premises, even if it’s closed.

Licensed premises is anywhere alcohol is being sold or served and can include:

• bottle shops
• pubs
• clubs
• restaurants
• taverns.

You also can't drink in townships where it is illegal to bring in, possess, consume, sell or supply alcohol. This can include:

• outstations
• Aboriginal communities
• town camps.

Drinking on private property

You can drink on private property and in licensed premises but not in a dry community or places with alcohol restrictions.

In some remote locations you may need to apply for a permit.

Contact

For more information contact Liquor Compliance by email liquorcompliance.ditt@nt.gov.au or call:

• Darwin 08 8999 1800
• Alice Springs 08 8951 5190.