The Northern Territory Government has delivered on its election promise to remove the minimum floor price for alcohol.

The Liquor Legislation Amendment (Repeal of Minimum Pricing) Bill 2024 passed through Parliament yesterday.

The floor price, also known as the Minimum Unit Price (MUP), was introduced in 2018, with the current Country Liberal Party (CLP) Government saying it failed to achieve meaningful outcomes while imposing unnecessary burdens on responsible consumers and businesses.

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said: “Unlike the previous government, the CLP is focused on real reforms which deliver meaningful and fair results for all Territorians.

“The CLP Government has listened to the concerns of the community and industry, ensuring policy is rooted in evidence and effectiveness.

“We promised that 2025 would be a year of action, certainty and security for Territorians.

“We are committed to supporting a strong hospitality sector while ensuring alcohol policy is responsible, targeted, and evidence-based.”

According to the CLP Government, the floor price drove problem drinkers towards higher alcohol products – such as spirits and pre-mixed drink – and failed to reduce alcohol consumption.

It said targeted, evidence-based measures such as Police Auxiliary Liquor Inspectors (PALIs) at bottle shops are a more effective solution for ensuring responsible alcohol sales.

“Having a beer at the pub with mates or sharing a bottle of wine over dinner — these are part of the Territory lifestyle, which we are committed to restoring. Governments should not get in the way of that,” said Boothby.

“We will continue monitoring alcohol-related harm in the community, and work with licensees and agencies to help minimise alcohol related harm through reduction strategies.

“We need solutions that address the complexities of alcohol-related harm, not blanket policies that punish the majority for the actions of a few.

“This is a line in the sand. Scrapping the floor price demonstrates our government’s commitment to real, meaningful change.

“We will not continue with the status quo. We are dedicated to delivering policies that work for all Territorians.”