ASSAULT rates on licensed premises in Goulburn Mulwaree have almost halved since 2009, according to figures from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).
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The statistics show that assault rates in licensed venues around the region are down by 48.84pc.
The Australian Hotel Association’s (AHA) Director of Liquor and Policing John Green visited local publicans at the Loaded Dog Hotel in Tarago on Tuesday to discuss the figures and a host of other issues.
“We had a crowd of about 25-30 publicans who are members of the Goulburn sub-branch of the AHA attend,” Mr Green said.
“We talked about a number of issues affecting the hotel industry in recent times, including the new smoking restrictions which will come into effect on July 6; the rise of annual liquor licensing fees; increased penalties for serving liquor to minors; and the 10pm closure of bottle shops. We have also built up a good working relationship with local police in keeping patrons safe in the local pubs and clubs.”
According to the AHA, assault rates in licensed venues across NSW are at their lowest levels in more than 17 years.
“We have seen a sustained drop in assaults in Goulburn over several years now, and this has come from hard work and good will from all involved,” Mr Green said.
“It’s important to note these reductions have been achieved not by draconian measures being imposed from above, but through hoteliers working collaboratively with police and communities.”
Mr Green also had a message for the small minority of patrons who chose to play up whenever they went out to a licenced venue.
“For the small numbers that misbehave, the message is clear- play up in a venue and you’ll be asked to leave,” he said.
“Commit an offence or refuse to leave and police will be called, it’s that simple.”
Hume Local Area Command Crime Manager Chad Gillies echoed Mr Green’s comments and said that the Hume LAC has a strong focus on making sure licensed premises were keeping their patrons safe.
“We undertake what is known as a ‘consequence model’ of policing in licensed venues across the Hume LAC," he said.
“Action is usually taken such as the issuing of ‘failure to quit’ notices and if the person continues to offend, removing them from the venue. There has been an increase in the issuing of ‘failure to quit’ notices in the last 18 months, and so we try and investigate any offences as quickly as possible. We also work closely with the local liquor accords across the city at their quarterly meetings.”