Licence-holders have expressed outrage at the Government's plan to enforce the Banned Drinkers Register through online and interstate alcohol purchases.

A new online register - accessible to any genuine liquor retailer - will prevent those on the BDR from buying alcohol through online stores. But it has raised questions about privacy and identity theft.

"That's a whole database for the ID theft people...unbelievable," Megan Brown told 105.7 ABC Darwin.

"The system is a gross invasion of privacy and a huge impost on retailers and customers alike," Christopher Skinner said.

But the Department of Justice's Michael Brodie says the online register will be secure and only accessibly to retailers who prove their legitimacy.

"What we're working on is a secure site. They would have to convince us they are a genuine liquor retailer," Mr Brodie said.

"Just like the point of sale devices, it's a one way communication - there's nothing left on the other end."

He said the information available to the retailer would be no different from that which was required when purchasing alcohol over the internet even before the existence of the BDR.

"All the info you would have to hand over in order to get alcohol delivered to you over the internet two years ago, is the same as it is now - otherwise it would have been illegal for retailers to sell alcohol," he said.

Banned drinkers are breaking the law when buying alcohol interstate regardless of whether the retailer has access to the BDR.

"It doesn't matter how they think they are avoiding the ban, it still applies to them," Mr Brodie said.

There is no evidence to suggest banned drinkers are using online or interstate liquor retailers to avoid the BDR, but the Department says it is rolling out the online register as a "defensive" measure.

The most recent count of banned drinkers on the register sits at around 1800 - a fast-growing number, according to Mr Brodie.

Do you agree with the Government's plans to give liquor retailers access to banned drinkers details online?

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