By Andrew Starke
Most NSW pubs and clubs on the state’s ‘most violent’ list have recorded drops in their number of assaults with inner-city venues particularly effective at reducing such incidents.
While the State Government has been quick to attribute the drop to restrictions such as lockouts, bans on glass and limiting units of alcohol that can be purchased, the list is still biased against larger venues.
The Penrith Rugby League Club (50 incidents) and Mean Fiddler (47) in Rouse Hill again topped the list ahead of the Lone Pine Tavern in Rooty Hill (36).
These will be joined as ‘Level One’ venues by new addition the Beachcomber Resort and Conference Centre (24) and the Newcastle of trio of Fanny’s of Newcastle (25), Cambridge Hotel (20) and MJ Finnegans (19).
The Mirada Hotel and Harp Hotel in Wollongong also recorded 19 incidents and will need to comply with special conditions including a 2am lockout, a glass restriction after midnight, extra security measures and limits on both number and sorts of drink available after midnight.
No Central Sydney venues were included in Level One but the Exchange Hotel (16), Ivy (13), Home Nightclub (12), The Gaff (12) and The World Bar (12) were all named as Level Two venues.
Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, George Souris, said violent incidents had dropped at 74 percent of the venues which have been subject to special conditions since last December.
“The NSW Government is committed to changing the culture of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in NSW and although I am happy with the results, I am certain we can do even better,” Souris said.
“Some 31 out of the 42 licensed venues which have been subject to the conditions are now safer, with fewer alcohol-related incidents.
“As a result of reduced incident rates, 16 venues have been removed from the list.”
Darlinghurst’s Columbian Hotel (11) and Trademark Hotel (9) in Kings Cross were amongst those removed from the list.
Souris said the revised list of violent venues would be subject to special conditions from June.
“In total there will be 9 Level 1 venues and 35 Level 2 venues subject to special conditions for six months from June,” Souris said.
“The review has resulted in 18 venues where violence is increasing being added to the list. These pubs and clubs must lift their game and reduce the negative impacts.”
The NSW Government also intends pursuing it “three strikes policy” in coming months.