Professor Tim Stockwell:

I will briefly respond. A range of measures is available. Considering the research evidence available from around the world, the joint committee's focus on what gives the retail sector incentives to behave properly is an appropriate one. The environmental structure, density of liquor stores and level of competition, to which Professor Barry referred are key factors. Research shows that there is less disorder in areas where there is a lower density of alcohol products.

Minimum pricing is another factor. This approach supports profitability in the industry, resulting in less pressure on retailers to serve everyone who enters their premises for example, people who are drunk or under age. They can, therefore, run their business in a more appropriate manner.

Enforcement strategies are also available. We describe these as mystery shopper programmes. Members are probably aware of this approach, where one sends a young person who appears under age but is not under age into a retailer to see if he or she will be served. This can be done in a non-punitive manner where one identifies premises that are not adhering to the law and warns them or in a punitive manner where such retailers are fined immediately. Both strategies work.