Sydney Junction Hotel gets its hours cut
Deemed the most violent venue in New South Wales, according to Government assault statistics, the Sydney Junction Hotel in Newcastle has had its hours cut after police urged liquor authorities to take action.
The pub, otherwise known as SJs, was on the list of the most violent venues for more than a year.
Newcastle police applied to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) in October 2017 and requested that the pub's 3:00am closing time be pulled back to midnight.
In its submission, the NSW police said the extended trading hours had led to violence and intoxication.
The submission detailed dozens of incidents of violent and drunken behaviour at the hotel.
It included an account of a visit by covert officers in November 2016 where the officers said they used expired identification to enter the hotel and, once inside, ordered six alcoholic drinks when conditions prohibit more than four. The police said they were unable to use a water station because it was broken, and they saw patrons being allowed entry without having their ID scanned.
ILGA agreed the late closing time and nightclub-style operation was having a negative impact on the area. However, it stopped short of revoking late night trading and brought in a rule that will SJs closing at 1:30am Mondays to Saturdays from July 1.
Newcastle anti-alcohol campaigner Tony Brown said the decision on SJs was long overdue.
But he said it was unfortunate that the ILGA did not meet the police request for a full revocation of the hotel's late night trading.
"The matter also highlights the ineffectiveness of the so-called 'tough' NSW Government's violent premises and three strikes disciplinary schemes to provide effective and timely decisive action against offending licensed premises," Mr Brown told the ABC.
Mr Brown said he was concerned that the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) would push relax some of the strict measures controlling opening hours and the service of alcohol in Newcastle.
"Now is not the time for the State Government, under pressure from the AHA, to allow any weakening or relaxation of Newcastle's existing package of modest alcohol harm controls," Mr Brown told the ABC.
"It's likely the Sydney Junction Hotel will appeal this decision, and that may further erode the penalty.
"The local community must also be afforded independent input into these vital public safety matters.
"Currently, these important ILGA deliberations are dealt with behind locked doors, away from public scrutiny and accountability."
Leon Getler 29th June 2018.
