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Archived Press Releases 2007 22nd October 2007

Sensible Sentencing Applauds Government "Three Strikes" proposal

(22nd October 2007)

The Sensible Sentencing Trust has come out strongly in support of government proposals to implement a "three strikes" regime for the managers of Liquor stores. Under the proposed new law, any manager of a liquor outlet who is convicted of selling alcohol to minors on three occasions will have his or her Managers Licence cancelled for five years.

"This is an extremely commendable move" says SST National Spokesperson Garth McVicar. "Anything which reduces the now widespread availability of alcohol to minors has got to be a good thing, and SST also recognises the value of a "three strikes" regime as a disincentive to offenders".

Mr McVicar said the Sensible Sentencing Trust would like to see the "Three Strikes" principle expanded into the criminal justice sector.

"We currently have our lawyers working on a "three strikes" bill which would impose a 25 year sentence on any person convicted of a third serious or violent crime. Given the government's visionary move regarding alcohol sales to minors, we are confident of government support for our measure" says Mr McVicar.

"If a three strikes law is seen as a credible disincentive for those contemplating selling alcohol to minors, the same must surely apply to violent offenders" says Mr McVicar.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.