Following an August review of South Australia’s Late Night Code by Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio, a number of changes will come into effect on 1 November.
Soulio stated that the changes are primarily clarifying existing provisions.
“The measures I proposed were primarily aimed at clarifying existing provisions, rather than imposing new or cumbersome measures on licensed venues,” Soulio explained.
These changes include clarifying that shots are included in the prohibition of the sale of beverages promoting rapid or excessive consumption of liquor after 2am; clarifying that drinks marshals can actively intervene as appropriate; and requiring that metal detectors are only operated by licensed security agents. Additionally, requirements of Closed Circuit TV have increased, with updated technical specifications to ensure cameras are able to identify people with certainty, as well as providing more specific venue coverage.
“The lockout and the broader Code of Practice play a role in protecting public safety, as evidenced by the data – which shows a marked reduction in both alcohol-related presentations to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and a reduction in offences in the CBD committed between midnight and 7am,” Soulio said.
“This strikes a balance to allow extended trading by licensees without requiring last drinks earlier in the night, as occurs in Australia’s eastern states,” he added.
The changes will come into effect after further consultation with the industry.
“I have since received advice that the Australian Hotels Association support the clarification around restrictions on alcoholic beverages after 2am, as well as the CCTV requirements. In response to their concerns, I have modified the proposal around the requirements for drinks marshals – to require the use of a drinks marshal solely between 2.01am and 7am every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday,” Soulio said.
While the changes to the Late Night Code will come into effect on 1 November, there will be a one-month transition period to assist venues with any changes they will need to make to in order to comply with the Code.
“Staff from CBS and SAPOL’s Licensing Enforcement Branch will be monitoring these changes closely, and the Code will be reviewed again in another three years,” Soulio concluded.