A second Alice Springs pub owned by Iris Capital has been temporarily shut in as many weeks by NT Police due to what they say are threats "to public safety".
The Gap View Hotel's licence has been suspended for 48 hours, and will require the owner to cease trading at both the pub and adjacent bottle shop for that time.
“Police are satisfied that the actions of this licensee constitute breaches of the Liquor Act and pose a threat to public safety both on premises and in the vicinity of the licensed premises," said Acting Commander Mark Grieve.
“Police will continue to ensure that those permitted to sell alcohol under a licence are adhering to all of the conditions, procedural requirements and are diligent with maintaining proper order and control."
Police said at the conclusion of the 48-hour period, trade under the licence will be permitted again, however investigations will continue.
Two weeks ago, police served a notice of suspension to the Todd Tavern, also owned by Iris, for similar breaches.
Police later said the decision to shut the venue was based on multiple alleged domestic violence attacks on the premises.
The hospitality giant faced further disciplinary action in January by the NT Liquor Commission, which ordered the Gap View Hotel's bottle shop to close for 24 hours for failing to use the Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) scanner on almost 200 occasions in a single day.
“NT Police are at the coalface of alcohol related harm within our community. No agency has done more to respond to these issues and we will continue to do so across the whole of the NT," Acting Commander Grieve said.
“The responsible service of alcohol is a legal requirement and police will hold businesses to account.”
The closures come as Alice Springs faces intense national attention due to very high rates of break-ins and property crime, some involving violence.
Iris purchased the Lasseters Hotel Casino in 2021 for $105 million, and has since snapped up five other Alice Springs hotels and pubs in an eye-watering spending spree.
The Sydney-based investment company faced widespread community backlash in 2022, after it applied to install 60 additional pokies in its venues across town.
The Northern Territory government suspended applications for new pokies licences at Alice Springs pubs and hotels until June this year after receiving hundreds of submissions opposing the licences.
Iris Capital has been contacted for comment.
