Orange pubs as safe as ever: Australian Hotels Association boss

Orange's licensed venues are much safer than six years ago, with the number of assaults cut by almost half. 

The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) met with publicans at the Canobolas Hotel yesterday, congratulating them for their part in reducing assaults by 48 per cent since 2009, according to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).

Safer Venues: AHA NSW chief executive John Whelan and Canobolas Hotel owner Phil Tudor. (Photo: Phil Blatch)

 AHA NSW chief executive John Whelan was pleased hoteliers had been working proactively with police and liquor accords to achieve the result.

“I think it’s just about running good businesses. They have diversified, there’s an increased focus on food and providing good quality venues, and they’re taking on the attitude that bad behaviour will not be tolerated,” he said.

“It doesn’t make sense if people feel concerned about going there.”

But while alcohol-fuelled activity might be on the decrease, BOCSAR found the use and possession of amphetamines in the same six-year period had increased five-fold.

“We’re seeing it right across NSW,” Mr Whelan said.

 It’s a constant issue for hoteliers if there are people on other substances because it’s hard to detect. They have to be increasingly vigilant and watching who comes through the door.”

Some hoteliers in Orange have also expressed concerns about smoking bans affecting entrances and outdoor dining areas from July 6, and Mr Whelan said the AHA was providing one-to-one support to help them prepare.

“Every hotel is built differently and will be impacted differently - venues will be able to make modifications and continue to operate,” he said.

He anticipated most venues would either cease to allow food service in beer garden areas or alternate the food and smoking rules around mealtimes.

Source: Central Western Daily, Danielle Cetinski, June 10th 2015