Pub violence still a problem in Wollongong

The head of the NSW branch of the Australian Hotels Association says pub violence is still a big problem in Wollongong.

Wollongong no longer has any pubs or clubs on the state government's list of violent venues, while Newcastle, another hotspot has five.

AHA CEO Paul Nicolaou visited Wollongong this week to meet with local hoteliers.

He says pubs and hotels have worked very successfully with police and councils through liquor accords to curb anti-social and violent behaviour.

"It doesn't mean that the issue has gone away, not at all, they're going to continue working with the police ensuring that their staff are trained in relation to security and responsible serving of alcohol", he said.

Mr Nicolaou says the hospitality industry is a big employer in the region and can often provide short term work for people who lose their job in other industries.

He says the government needs to do more to attract tourists to Wollongong.

"We're very keen to see the government spend a little bit more money on tourism for the Wollongong area", he said.

"We employ thousands of people and we want to continue to do that".

Source: ABC News, 20 June 2012