Retail Drinks Australia (Retail Drinks) has today announced a voluntary national initiative by participating liquor retailers to place temporary limits on the amount of product customers can purchase in one transaction.

Retail Drinks CEO Julie Ryan said this initiative was developed following concerns being raised by government that customers could change their purchasing behaviours and cause supply interruptions as seen within the grocery market.

“We know that consumers like to feel certainty of supply during times of crisis, and our members want to do their part to encourage people continuing to purchase alcohol responsibly as they normally would,” she said.

“Our suppliers in breweries, wineries, distilleries and the wholesale and distribution of drinks continue to be fully operational and this means there are no issues of supply.

“However, it was clear that uncertainty on the impact of supply following the closure of pubs, clubs and restaurants last week caused some people to purchase differently.

“We want to now send a clear message bottle shops remain an essential service and there are no issues of supply.

“These temporary measures will ensure that all consumers can continue to access their favourite drinks when they decide to make a purchase.”

In explaining the temporary limits, Ms Ryan noted that explanatory signage would be available within stores and could also be found on the participating retailers’ websites.

“From opening of trading today signage will be displayed both in stores and online, which explains the purchasing limits,” she said.

“These temporary restrictions are intended to operate per transaction, and are clear and easy for both our retail workers, and consumers, to understand.

“Put simply, each category of drinks, whether it be beer, wine, cider, RTDs or spirits, will have a limit for that category. “Consumers can purchase up to the total limit in any two product categories.”

Product category transaction limit

• Beer: 2 cases*
• Cider: 2 cases*
• Pre-mix spirits/Ready to Drink (RTD): 2 cases*
• Wine: 12 bottles
• Cask Wine: 2 casks, not to exceed 10L in total
• Bottled Spirits: 2 bottles, not to exceed 2L in total

It was noted that the initiative did not apply in Western Australia where there were different regulated limitations on purchasing that continued to apply.

Ms Ryan also urged consumers to continue to keep the health and safety of retail workers in mind when these changes are implemented.

“Please remember that our liquor retail staff are working hard to serve you and they deserve to be treated with respect and courtesy while they assist you to understand these changes.”

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