By Andy Young
Licensed venues are facing compliance checks relating to venue management and operating procedures over the festive season.
In New South Wales the deputy premier and minister for justice and police, Troy Grant, has said that inspectors from the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) will be deployed across Sydney and regional locations including the Central West, North Coast and Hunter as part of a festive season operation that started this weekend.
Sydney locations to be targeted include the CBD, Kings Cross, Darling Harbour, Pyrmont, Balmain, Rozelle, Manly, Newtown, Parramatta and the North Shore. Regional locations include Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.
Inspectors will also be monitoring licensed vessels on Sydney Harbour.
"I encourage people to go out and enjoy themselves with friends and family over these holidays, but our priority is that they get home safely and in one piece," Grant said.
"That’s why the OLGR and the NSW Police Force conduct targeted inspections of licensed venues across the state to ensure they are operating responsibly and with a firm focus on community safety,” Mr Grant said.
"This includes ensuring proper management and operating procedures are in place to support responsible service of alcohol and prevent intoxication of patrons, as well as other potential harms including alcohol-related violence."
In Queensland and Western Australia, venues have been encouraged to check their licence to ensure compliance in particular regarding opening on Christmas Day and the regulations regarding serving alcohol with food. Details on licensing in the states and the festive restrictions are found on the Queensland and Western Australia state government websites.
Venues in other states, should also make sure they are aware of their festive opening restrictions: ACT, Northern Territory, Tasmania and Victoria.