The Royal is now listed as a level 2 venue, among others across the state which have recorded between 12 and 18 incidents in a 12 month period.

There are seven venues in NSW now listed in the most serious (level 1) category, each recording more than 19 serious incidents in the last year.

Licensing officer for the Manning Great Lakes Police Local Area Command, Senior Constable Linda Hedley, said police would now be working closely with the Royal’s operators to improve its situation, to reduce the number of incidents and implement best management practices.

“This is the first time the Royal has been on the list, and its operators have been given a period of grace until this Friday to comply with the new restrictions,” Sen Cons Hedley said yesterday.

“It can still trade this week but has been given a list of certain conditions with which it must comply.”

Another of Taree’s hotels – the Vic (formerly Fogs) – was on the list last year but has been removed from June 1, with just three incidents reported in the last 12 months.

NSW hospitality minister George Souris released the latest ‘most violent venues’ lists this week, reminding licensees that they need to ensure their premises operate responsibly and safely.

“We will crack down on venues that allow themselves to become magnets for alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour that threatens public safety,” he said.

“Those refusing to curb alcohol-related violence will safer the consequences of tougher operating restrictions and possible licence suspension or cancellation if they continue to commit liquor law breaches under our ‘Three Strikes’ disciplinary scheme.”

Mr Souris said there had been a dramatic drop in the ‘most violent’ list this year, with now 31 licensed premises in NSW subject to special conditions.

Seven recorded 19 or more assaults in the last 12 months and will be subject to level 1 restrictions for the next six months. This is the lowest number since the scheme’s inception in 2008.

The Royal in Taree is one of 24 venues recording between 12 and 18 violent incidents in the 12 months, to be classified a level 2 premises. The Royal was at the lower end of the scale - with 12 incidents recorded.

Other level 2 establishments this year include Woody’s Surf Shack at Byron Bay, Shore Club Hotel at Manly and the Mean Fiddler at Rouse Hill (all with 18 incidents), Phriction Nightclub at Penrith (17), Sphere Nightspot and Lounge Bar at Sutherland, Wooport Inn at Erina and King Street Hotel in Newcastle (all 16), Lone Pine Tavern at Rooty Hill, Queens Wharf Brewery in Newcastle, Coffs Harbour Hotel and Royal Hotel Orange (all on 12 alongside Taree’s Royal).

In the top range (level 1) are MJ Finnegans Newcastle (31 incidents), Fanny’s of Newcastle (30), Macarthur Tavern at Campbelltown (30), Coogee Bay Hotel (23), the Ivy in Sydney city (21), Penrith Rugby League Club and the Theatre Royal at Broken Hill (both with 20 incidents).

Much more stringent restrictions apply to level 1 venues, including a 2am lockout, additional security measures such as guards, CCTV and electronic ID scanning), as well as limits on the number of alcoholic drinks, no shots and doubles, after certain times.

WHAT RESTRICTIONS APPLY

TAREE’S Royal Hotel is now subject to level 2 restrictions which include:

* Ceasing 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

* Required to maintain detailed incident register whenever trading