Travellers and tourists to the NT

Updates

From 11 December 2023, there are changes to when police can issue banned drinker orders (BDOs).

If you are travelling to the Northern Territory (NT), you should make sure you know the laws about drinking and buying alcohol.

You can be fined or imprisoned if you break the law.

There are:

many NT communities where alcohol is totally banned, known as dry areas
- read more about alcohol restrictions in NT communities
some areas where you must have a liquor permit to drink alcohol
places in the NT where it is illegal to drink alcohol in public places.

Changes to who can buy takeaway alcohol

From 1 September 2017, all Territorians and visitors to the Northern Territory will need to show photo ID to buy takeaway alcohol.

Find out more about the changes to who can buy takeaway alcohol.

Buying takeaway alcohol

There are rules for buying takeaway alcohol in some areas of the Northern Territory that apply to everyone, including tourists and visitors.

In some areas, you must show photo ID to buy takeaway alcohol.

Find out more about buying takeaway alcohol.

Transporting alcohol through dry areas

You may take unopened alcohol through a restricted area but you cannot drink it, give it away or sell where there is an alcohol ban.

Read more about alcohol restrictions in NT communities.

Penalties

You may be fined, imprisoned or have your vehicle, boat or plane seized if you use them to transport alcohol to a restricted area for distribution without a liquor licence.