By Andrew Starke
The Sunshine Coast has won national recognition for its Collaborative Approach to Liquor Management (CALM) program.
The program, which has been running in the area for several years, won a national award for excellence in alcohol management at the Federal Government Local Government Awards, held in Canberra recently.
The CALM program is designed to bring together police, the community, local council, and licensed operators in a bid to prevent alcohol-related violence and crime, rather than deal with its consequences.
Police Minister Neil Roberts said partnerships between government agencies, non-government organisations and business owners were vital in minimising alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour and maximising enjoyment in licensed premises.
“The Queensland community is fed-up of alcohol-fuelled, anti-social behaviour,” he said.
“By bringing together stakeholders and working on proactive strategies to deal with the issue, CALM is enhancing the safety of Sunshine Coast community, and I commend them on their efforts and congratulate them on receiving this recognition.”
Acting Deputy Commissioner Graham Rynders said the award recognised the value of a collaborative approach to preventing alcohol-related harm.
“The approach taken by the Sunshine Coast District to reduce alcohol related incidents and violence is an excellent initiative and has proven to be highly successful,” he said.
“The success of the initiative can only be achieved through strong relationships with members of the liquor industry and they are now seeing the benefits of a unilateral approach to the responsible service of alcohol and patron management.”
“The establishment of liquor accords throughout Queensland has resulted in enormous benefits to the community and the Queensland Police Service is committed to programs that reduce alcohol related incidents.”