By Clyde Mooney
The cost of alcohol-related crime in Australia is measured in billions of dollars annually, and the hospitality industry is under increasing pressure to curb irresponsible drinking and anti-social behaviour.
August 24-26 will see the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre house the 2011 Security Exhibition, claiming to be the largest, most comprehensive event for the security industry in Australia and New Zealand.
The Exhibition will feature a presentation by former NSW Police Officer, Michael Huggett, now director of security consultancy CHD Partners.
Huggett will explain their Safer Bars program, which was developed to reduce violence and injury in licensed premises by helping staff develop techniques to prevent and manage aggression and other problem behaviour.
Research shows that alcohol consumption is increasing amongst young women, and with it their involvement with violence and crime.
Safer Bars licensee Bar Guardians last year conducted a pilot of the Safer Bars program in conjunction with Responsible Alcohol Victoria in 20 venues in the Melbourne CBD and regional Victoria.
Following the successful trial, CHD Partners has been appointed to bring Safer Bars to NSW.
CHD Partners is committed to improving community safety and preventing crime by reducing the causes and opportunities, and by protecting victims and targets.