South Australian licensed venues to face tougher code from October
New rules for licensed venues in South Australia, aimed at curbing alcohol-fuelled violence, are to take effect from October 1.
They will restrict the types of drinks which can be sold after 4:00am.
Sale of double-measures, shooters and similar drinks will be barred in the early hours while a limit of 45ml will apply to spirit-based beverages.
All drinks will have to be served in plastic containers at those times.
There are other new provisions which cover crowd management.
Fines imposed by police for drunken behaviour also will increase to $500.
Attorney-General John Rau plans to reintroduce legislation which would enforce a shut-down provision for the early hours.
"A bill which will be presented to the Parliament next week will seek to rectify that problem so that in the future the code will be able to modified in a way that does conform with our original intention, which was to regulate through far bigger hours than simply 4:00am to 7:00am," he said.
"We are taking significant action aimed at venues open after 3:00am. New measures include the use of metal detectors, high-definition CCTV, drink marshals, as well as an early-morning ban on glassware, happy hours, shooters and doubles.
"Under this code, venues will not be able to accept new patrons after 3:00am. This does not mean they will close, it just means no bar-hopping."
Mr Rau said there would be a clearer definition of what constituted intoxicated behaviour.
Hotels industry welcomes code
Ian Horne of the Australian Hotels Association said the tougher fines were a welcome measure.
"We think that's a great way for someone to sober up very quickly, when in their top pocket is a personal infringement notice for $500 and if they misbehave or act unruly again they'll get another $500," he said.
"That's consistent with interstate and that sends a very strong message this is shared responsibility."
Mr Horne said the expectations of the code were reasonable and in line with community standards.
"If there are renegade venues then the Liquor Licensing Commissioner has significant power to act and act very quickly," he said.
"Everyone in the state if you trade past midnight, whether you're in Hindley Street or a country/regional town you will not be able to discount, you won't be able to have happy hours and we think that would have broad community acceptance."
More details of the late-night code are available at http://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/
Source: ABC News, 31 May 2013
