Newcastle nightspots still top state's most violent list

Two Newcastle inner-city licensed venues remain subject to the highest level of liquor restrictions after recording more than two dozen violent incidents over the last 12 months.

MJ Finnegans and Fanny's Nightclub are still classified as level one venues after recording 31 and 30 assaults respectively.

The Cambridge in Newcastle West has dropped to level two restrictions.

The King Street Hotel and Queens Wharf Brewery remain in that category.

Hospitality Minister, George Souris says he is disappointed the top two Newcastle venues are failing to pick up their game, after some time in the worst category.

"It's very stubborn to see that there are two venues out of the seven that pertain to Newcastle,' he said.

"It disappoints me for example that I know that when I look at the list there are no venues from Wollongong, no venues from other regions as well.

"It just disappoints me, more than anything else, that Newcastle still continues to provide these venues on these lists."

But, he says there are some positives for the Hunter region, with Maitland's Belmore Hotel set to be removed from the list.

"I'm pleased about that and I'm pleased that in fact there are quite a few venues that have dropped off the state list.

"Those that are still on the list also have exhibited a lower number of incidents, in fact it's the lowest number since the scheme commenced which was in November 2008.

"That does give us heart, there have been a number of additional measures that have come in since the change of Government, principally increased police powers."

Source: ABC News, 31 May 2012