Government reforms to liquor laws and strong compliance operations have resulted in a 39 per cent reduction in serious incidents at venues on the ‘violent venues’ list.
Over the past 12 months, 182 violent incidents were recorded, a dramatic reduction from the 300 recorded over the previous period.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice Troy Grant said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s combination of serious penalties and increased scrutiny is forcing licensed venues to be safer.
“It just doesn’t add up to run a violent venue – it’s harder, more expensive and you run the risk of losing your liquor licence for life,” Mr Grant said.
There are now just 13 venues on the list, the lowest number since it began in 2008.
- The violent venues list has had a net reduction of six, down from 19 to 13.
- 11 venues have been removed and five have been added – two of those for the first time.
- Venues on the list face a range of restrictions including 1.30am lock-outs, extra security, alcohol time-outs and other limits on serving alcohol.
- Two Western Sydney venues, previously listed at Level 1, have been removed from the list entirely – Crown Hotel Parramatta and the Roxy Hotel.
“With just 13 venues now on this list, it sends a clear message places like IVY in Sydney’s CBD and the Beachcomber Resort on the Central Coast to clean up their acts and put community safety first,” Mr Grant said.
“Unfortunately two new additions to the list; the Plantation Hotel in Coffs Harbour and Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay have shown there is still some work to do.”
The updated list can be found on the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racings website:http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/alcohol_restrictions_for_violent_venues.asp
VIOLENT VENUES LIST ROUND 13 – FACT SHEET
Restrictions applying to Level 1 venues (19 or more violent incidents in a year)
1.30am 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.
Extra compliance monitoring.
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.
Extra compliance monitoring.