BOOZE-FUELLED bashings and anti-social behaviour have plummeted in and around Tamworth licenced venues 11 months on from the introduction of hardline new alcohol measures.
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Last November, 31 local licensees voted to usher in sweeping changes to the way pubs and clubs operated, including a blanket ban on shots and high-alcohol pre-mix drinks, 12.30am lockouts and a “barred from one, barred from all” policy.
The changes, which came amid statewide concern about alcohol-fuelled violence, have been hailed the toughest in regional NSW.
Tamworth police yesterday released figures showing the measures had worked, sparking a 30 per cent drop in alcohol-related violence in the city since the laws were enacted.
“They’ve made a massive difference,” Oxley Local Area Command licencing sergeant Graeme Elms said.
“We’ve always believed there was a correlation between a strong liquor accord and the control of alcohol-related crime and this just proves it.”
At the time the changes were implemented, Tamworth sat at twice the state average for alcohol-related assaults.
“We’ve always believed there was a correlation between a strong liquor accord and the control of alcohol-related crime and this just proves it.”
- Graeme Elms
Tamworth Hotel licencee and Liquor Accord chairman Roger Rumble said while the changes had hit some venues’ bottom lines, they had made local pubs and clubs safer for everyone.
“We got on the front foot and it’s great to see the results are there,” Mr Rumble said.
“Pubs are part of the fabric of Australia and if this helps get more people out and about enjoying their night, then it can only be a good thing.”
He said a small minority of “serial perpetrators” continued to cause problems.
The Tamworth Liquor Accord AGM last week resolved to request police work closely with licensees to help identify the trouble-makers.
“We want them identified and we want to know when they are on our premises,” Mr Rumble said.
“There are a small percentage of patrons with no regard for police or the community.
“If police are doing a walk-through of premises and they see one of these ratbags, we want them to let us know.”
Source: Northern Daily Leader