NO New England or North West licensed premises has made it on a list that names the state’s most violent venues.
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The government’s latest violent venues list contains the lowest number of pubs and clubs since the scheme began four years ago.
For the local region, it wipes away any venue that was on the list in the past, including Tamworth’s Imperial Hotel.
The Gunnedah Hotel, formerly The Regal, was removed from the list in June.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson welcomed the news, saying it was another step forward in changing the culture of our society, with a notable link between alcohol and violence in the community.
“We as a community need to be committed to reducing alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour, not only in our licensed venues, but in our community in general,” Mr Anderson said.
Tamworth and District Liquor Accord chairman Roger Rumble said a lot of work had been done between the venues, the accord and police and all that hard work had paid off.
He attributed the fall of alcohol-related violent behaviour to the communication with police and better security measures, including CCTV camera technology.
“It’s up to the licensees now to control their venues – we can only guide them,” Mr Rumble said.
He said the Tamworth accord would look at gathering feedback in the new year to consider implementing more strategies that could wipe out alcohol-fuelled incidents at licensed venues.
To make the list, a venue must not have recorded more than 12 violent incidents in a year.
Those with more than 12 incidents are classed as a level two venue, which must cease alcohol service 30 minutes before closing, among other restrictions.
Venues with more than 19 incidents are classed as a level one venue, which include much stricter measures such as 2am lockouts, extra security and no shots after midnight.
Hospitality Minister George Souris said the results indicated that most licensees were getting the message they needed to operate their premises responsibly and safely or face naming and shaming and tougher operating conditions.
Mr Souris said as well as a record number of level one and level two premises, another 16 licensed venues – including the Impy – were removed from the list.