PREMIER IGNORES CENTRAL ISSUE

Media Release

Shadow Police Minister, Bill Byrne, says Premier Campbell Newman’s comments on a code of conduct for drinkers ignores the central issue of trading hours in the debate on alcohol-fuelled violence.
“The Premier’s comments on a code of conduct are themselves code for the fact he refuses to act on the key issue of trading hours,” Mr Byrne said.
“Once again he is talking about what happens ‘after the event’. We need action that prevents violence and anti-social behaviour."
“Of course everyone who goes out to pubs, clubs, or night clubs should behave themselves."
“But the central issue when it comes to alcohol-fuelled violence remains the need for reducing the hours in which alcohol can be served as the Labor Party has proposed."
“Licensees in entertainment precincts already have their own code of conduct covering responsible service of alcohol."
“These codes reflect existing provisions in the Liquor Act covering both patrons and licensed venue operators that address these issues."
“In addition police can already to act against people who are drunk in a public place.”
Mr Byrne said provisions in the Liquor Act included:
obligations of licensees when serving alcohol (Section 148A)conduct of patrons while on licensed premises (Section 164)removal of patrons from premises including if they were unduly intoxicated (Section 165)refusal of entry to premises if a person is unduly intoxicated (Section 165A)
“Licensees already have a Responsible Service of Alcohol Code and the existing laws cover their behaviour and the behaviour of patrons,” Mr Byrne said.
“The key issue remains trading hours and Labor has proposed a 1am lockout with a 3am end of alcohol service but with venues able to stay open until 5am to serve food, non-alcoholic drinks and entertainment."
“This is a workable policy that tackles what all the research says is the central issue and which can be seen in Newcastle to have worked where it is estimated there has been a drop of more than 20% in alcohol-fuelled assaults for every hour alcohol service is reduced."

“It is estimated that 3,000 to 4,000 assaults have been prevented in Newcastle in the past six years,” he said.