By Triana O'Keefe, editor – Australian Hotelier
In a bid to combat anti-social behaviour, Adelaide City Council has proposed the removal of all outdoor furniture from pubs and clubs as well as a more extensive use of metal detectors.
The motions form part of the submission and recommendations Council will put to the State Government when a formal review of the Late Night Code takes place.
Introduced in October 2013, the Late Night Code aims to “minimise the harmful and hazardous use of liquor and promote responsible attitudes in relation to the promotion, sale, supply and consumption of liquor,” and also includes the controversial 3am lockout.
The council’s city safety manager Sean McNamara said forcing operators to remove outdoor furniture would improve the safety of both patrons and staff.
Under the council’s proposed plan, all removable furniture would be required to be packed away between the hours of 2am and 7am.
Australian Hotels Association (AHA) SA chief executive Ian Horne said the council’s proposals were unnecessary.
“There doesn’t appear to be any evidence to back them up,” he said.
“If there is evidence we will be happy to consider it, but if there’s not, then everyone should just get out of the way and let these businesses actually run their business.
“The Liquor Commissioner already has extensive powers to deal with rogue operators and we don’t need to be pushing unnecessary regulation on all of the pubs and club in Adelaide.”