By James Atkinson
A Public Hearing of the New South Wales Parliament Inquiry into measures introduced to reduce alcohol and drug-related violence in Sydney got underway this morning.
The Inquiry is being undertaken by the Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety, which is chaired by former Hospitality Minister, George Souris.
Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research director, Professor Don Weatherburn, was the first witness to appear at the Inquiry this morning.
He will be followed by representatives of NSW Police, City of Sydney, St Vincents Hospital and Ralph Kelly, director of the Thomas Kelly Foundation.
AHA NSW director of policing, regulations and membership, John Green, will be the final witness appearing today at 3pm.
Public submissions to the Inquiry include that of a Sydney bar manager who said the 1.30am lockouts had significantly increased conflict and aggression at the doors of his venue, as reported on Smart Licensee.
Speaking as a long time former Security Officer & current Venue Manager, I’m not surprised to hear it’s causing “conflict and aggression” In NSW, as it’s only done the same here in QLD….
We’ve endured it here & witnessed the PURE HYPOCRISY of it here…
(From http://www.olgr.qld.gov.au/liquor/minimising-harm/3am-lockout
“The lockout was set at 3am as the 3am to 5am trading is considered a high-risk period.”
“Bring your own (BYO) restaurants, casinos, airport terminals and residential accommodation are exempt from the 3am lockout.”
residential accommodations…… A Given…
(BYO) restaurants,How many allowed to trade past 3AM ???
BUT Casinos & airport terminals,
Not like there’s ever been any problems there…..