Violent venues list falls to new record levels

NSW Govt tough measures getting results.

The latest list of the State’s most violent venues confirms a continuing fall in violent incidents on licensed premises proving the NSW Government’s crackdown on alcohol-fuelled violence is delivering results, Minister for Hospitality George Souris said today.

Mr Souris said the violent venues list, based on Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data for 2012, contains the lowest number of hotels and clubs since the scheme started in 2008.

“The latest violent venues list again confirms a continuing drop in the number of venues facing operating restrictions due to high levels of alcohol-related violence,” Mr Souris said.

“The NSW Government has made fighting alcohol-fuelled violence a priority and we’ve introduced tough new measures like the Three Strikes disciplinary scheme which can result in licence suspensions or cancellation for serial offenders, increased police powers to deal with drunks and established a trial of sobering-up centres.

“We’re also trying to change people’s behaviour through positive measures by launching an internet-based resource to minimise alcohol-related harm among young people by educating them about the impacts that drinking can have on themselves, their friends and their community.”

Mr Souris said the NSW Government had developed a comprehensive guide to help licensed venues deal with troublemakers – with penalties ranging from permanent venue bans to fines of up to $5,500.

On the latest violent venues list, there are 16 venues, two less than the previous list published in November.

Only one venue, Ivy in Sydney, recorded 19 or more violent incidents in 2012 and will have to abide by Level 1 operating restrictions for the next six months. This compares with four venues on the previous list.

Fifteen other venues recorded between 12 and 18 violent incidents in 2012 to be classified as Level 2 premises.

Four new venues have been added to the list - Forster Tuncurry Memorial Services Club, Penrith RSL Club, the New Brighton Hotel in Manly, and the Mill Tavern in Young.

“The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) will be auditing the 16 named venues to ensure they have adequate venue management plans in place to help control the risk of alcohol-related violence on their premises,” Mr Souris said.

“OLGR will also conduct ongoing checks to enforce responsible service of alcohol practices and to monitor compliance with licence conditions.

“The 224 incidents attributed to venues on the latest list were 60 fewer than the previous list, representing a 21 per cent reduction and a new record low in the history of the scheme.

“As well as a record low number of Level 1 and 2 premises and their recorded incidents, another 13 licensed venues have been removed from the list after their assault rates fell below the threshold of 12 incidents in a year.

“Congratulations to the 13 venues which successfully removed themselves from the list by achieving some impressive reductions in alcohol-related violence, including three Newcastle venues Argyle House (formerly Fanny’s), King Street Hotel, and MJ Finnegans. Kent Hotel is now the only Newcastle venue on the list.

“Kings Cross also has only one venue, the Trademark Hotel, on the list as does Byron Bay with the Cheeky Monkeys Bar and Restaurant.

“However, there is no cause for complacency with another six Kings Cross venues just falling below the Level 2 threshold after recording between nine and 11 incidents, three other Byron Bay venues recording nine incidents each, and three other Newcastle venues recording 11 incidents each.”

Mr Souris said the NSW Government remained committed to working with local communities to implement measures to address alcohol-related violence, anti-social behaviour and other harm.

“Overall, these latest results are encouraging and I am confident that this downward trend can continue if licensees remain vigilant in managing their venues to ensure the responsible sale, service and promotion of alcohol, when combined with the tough new measures introduced by the NSW Government.

“The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing is currently finalising a review of the violent venues scheme to ensure its ongoing effectiveness in reducing violent incidents in and around licensed venues and the results will be released shortly.

“I encourage all licensed venues to regularly review their alcohol and security management plans to ensure best practice procedures and staff training are in place.”

Restrictions applying to Level 1 venues (19 or more violent incidents in a year)

• 2am lockout
• Cease alcohol service 30 minutes prior to closing
• An appropriate extra security measure such as additional guards, CCTV, digital video and audio recording devices, or electronic ID scanning
• Drinks must not be served in glass or breakable containers after midnight
• No shots, no doubles, no RTDs (ready to drink) over 5% after midnight
• A limit of four alcoholic drinks per customer per order after midnight
• Alcohol time-outs or the provision of free water and food for 10 minutes every hour after midnight; and
• Required to maintain a detailed incident register whenever trading.

Restrictions applying to Level 2 venues (12 to 18 violent incidents in a year)

• Cease alcohol service 30 minutes before closing
• No glass or breakable containers after midnight
• Alcohol time-outs or the provision of free water and food for 10 minutes every hour after midnight; and
• Required to maintain a detailed incident register whenever trading.

* New to the list and must comply with special conditions for the first time from 8 June 2013

Source: Office of the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, 30 May 2013