Hotels and Police work together to target violence
The AHA NSW has joined with the NSW Police Force to target anti-social behaviour this long weekend in the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross through the Stop! Is it worth $550? campaign.
More than a million people are expected to flock to the CBD this weekend for special events, including the NRL Grand Final, the International Fleet Review and Fireworks Spectacular and both hotels and police warn thuggish behavior will not be tolerated.
As part of the joint campaign, police will be targeting the George Street precinct from The Rocks to Haymarket, ensuring people are aware of the law.
Sydney City Local Area Commander, Superintendent Mark Walton, urged Sydneysiders to plan their day/night out carefully and act responsibly.
“There are a number of special events in Sydney this weekend and anyone heading into the CBD should plan to behave – you are responsible for your own behavior,” Supt Walton said.
“You are responsible for how much you drink, what you drink and how you carry on when you drink,” Supt Walton said.
AHA NSW CEO, Paul Nicolaou, said hotels work closely with police to ensure those who can’t control themselves don’t ruin it for everyone else.
“The message has to get out there – you cannot come to licensed premises and act like thugs,” Mr Nicolaou said.
“Even though assault rates at pubs and clubs are at their lowest levels in 15 years we are keen to ensure we do everything possible to ensure patrons have a good night out,” Mr Nicolaou said.
Supt Walton said the risk of alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour is increased on celebratory days.
“In Australia, we generally see that community pride or team spirit goes hand-in-hand with celebratory alcohol consumption,” Supt Walton said.
“Employees of licensed premises will be watching for signs of intoxication.
“If you’ve had too much and you’re asked to leave, then leave – it’s the law.
“Don’t argue with hotel staff – drunk people don’t win arguments. You don’t have a clear head, so listen to the sober hotel employee or police officer when they tell you to go home.
“If you refuse to leave, you’ll be fined,” Supt Walton said.
About 50 hotels will feature display signs with staff also wearing Stop! T-shirts, distributing leaflets and playing adverts so patrons understand if they cause trouble and refuse to leave a venue they can be fined $550 on the spot by police.
Mr Nicolaou said a truck with an electronic billboard featuring the message will also circle the CBD on Friday and Saturday nights.
“We will be targeting the Kings Cross and George Street precincts this long weekend and working closely with police targeting those thugs who do the wrong thing,” Mr Nicolaou said.
“The law is clear – if you are one of those few idiots who insists on causing problems when asked to leave a pub, or refused entry, you will face an on the spot fine of $550,” Mr Nicolaou said.
“I can’t remember a weekend where a police officer or hotel employee hasn’t been injured in an altercation started by a patron refusing to leave,” Supt Walton said.
“We won’t tolerate drunken hooligans ruining the night for those who do the right thing. Any form of violence will land you in a cell.
“And that’s the best case scenario… Worst case, you ruin someone’s life or you kill them,” Supt Walton said.
Mr Nicolaou added that a respected security guard was recently king-hit and left in a coma while trying to do his job.
“That one stupid violent decision will impact on both the offender and the victim for life. We want to help ensure there is no repeat of that violence this long weekend,” he said.
“People have to realise that even one act of violence can have serious consequences for both victim and offender. Be responsible for your own actions and those of your mates this long weekend.
“Do the right thing or be fined – it’s as simple as that,” Mr Nicolaou said.
Source: Australian Hotels Association NSW, 3 October 2013
