A TAMWORTH magistrate has said “a line has to be drawn in the sand” when it comes to alcohol-related violence after yet another unprovoked attack in the CBD.
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It’s a story repeated in cities and towns around the nation on a daily basis and this paper has made comment before on the senselessness of these incidents and their potentially-tragic consequences.
Thankfully, on this occasion the victim in our page one story survived, although will require further medical treatment – but it could have ended so differently.
Tamworth pubs and clubs are to be congratulated for taking the lead on trying to cut down on problem patrons who continually push the boundaries of the law and pose a threat to others.
Almost three months ago The Leader ran a story about non-domestic assaults dropping by almost 20 per cent in this area, with tough new measures introduced by the Tamworth Liquor Accord given a large amount of the credit for the fall.
But, they can’t do it alone, and it’s pleasing to see the judiciary take a stand on the matter, reflecting community opinion that “enough is enough”.
People have to know that if they go out and end their night by assaulting someone else – too often it’s somebody minding their own business – then they will be punished.
Our police work hard to arrest those responsible, but that’s just the first step.
The punishment must then fit the crime, and the threat of jail must be there to serve as a real deterrent.
“A line in the sand” for a cowardly act.
But, as always, prevention is better than a cure, they say, and a change in our “Aussie” drinking culture may be the answer to turning our terrible alcohol-related violence statistics around.
We need to teach our children that drinking to excess does not equal fun.
At best it equals a hangover and embarrassing stories your friends will dine out on for years, but at worst it could end your life, or someone else’s.
It’s that simple.
We must look to other cultures that seem to handle their drink far better than we do. And more funding for programs in schools that highlight the dangers for our kids.
We must all play a part in drawing that line in the sand.