Crime Link Crackdown Blitz On Drink-related Offences
Newcastle Herald
Thursday September 7, 2006
THE NSW Government is concentrating on pubs and clubs in Lake Macquarie to reduce alcohol-related crime and its effect on neighbourhoods.
Gaming and Racing Minister Grant McBride said yesterday the operation aims to reduce anti-social behaviour.The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing audited seven pubs and clubs in Lake Macquarie last Saturday.Mr McBride said a 17-year-old was found drinking in a hotel's gaming area."CCTV footage will be reviewed to determine if the youth was playing gaming machines. Enforcement action will be taken against the licensee," Mr McBride said."A large number of intoxicated people were found loitering around another hotel 30 minutes after closing."The licensee will be put on notice and expected to develop a plan to improve the dispersal of patrons at closing time."Mr McBride said operations will continue in Lake Macquarie to enforce responsible service of alcohol laws and control intoxication, underage drinking and secondary supply of alcohol to minors in parks and other public places.The office was working with licensees to introduce alcohol management plans and make their venues compliant with liquor and gaming laws.The Warners Bay Hotel was the first licensed premises to introduce the program, Mr McBride said.It had established a plan to improve patron behaviour, control crowds and conduct patrols around the hotel.The hotel had introduced black light testing to detect fake IDs, plastic cups after midnight and a curfew banning entry after midnight on Friday.Mr McBride said the office, licensees, security staff and private security companies will form a Hunter security liquor accord only the second such agreement in NSW, following one in Port Macquarie.
© 2006 Newcastle Herald