Tully licensees unite against troublemakers
Posted by editor (editor) on Mar 25 2010
2010 >>

Minister responsible for liquor licensing Peter Lawlor has commended the Tully Liquor Accord for taking a tough stance on unacceptable patron behaviour following the life ban of an 18 year old Tully Heads man.

In a first for the region, the unruly patron has been banned from Tully pubs and hotels for life by the local liquor accord in the toughest move yet against alcohol-related problems.

The accord is a cooperative group of Tully licensees working with the Queensland Police, Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, and other government agencies.

“Anti-social behaviour in the local licensed premises has dropped to record lows since the inception of the Tully Liquor Accord three years ago,” Minister Lawlor said.

“One of the most successful initiatives run by the accord is the banning of violent patrons from hotels and clubs. Patrons can be banned for different periods of time depending on the severity of their actions.

“These bans are having a positive impact on patron safety and the community.

“While there may be some people who aren’t stopped by a fine, everybody responds to the threat of being prevented from going out for a good night with friends,” Mr Lawlor said.

“It’s a shame that licensees have to resort to this, but the proof is in the pudding.

“The accord has done a marvellous job reducing alcohol-related crime,” he said.

“Since inception the accord has banned more than 100 people from licensed premises.”

Anybody banned for 12 months or more must make an application to the Tully Accord to have their privileges reinstated. A patron who recently received a life ban has been given the option to make an application in writing after five years.

Premises staff, police and OLGR officers meet on a monthly basis to discuss alcohol-related issues and any incidents caused by unruly patrons.

Mr Lawlor added that the accord’s success was an excellent example of how industry and government could work together to achieve results.

“Accords throughout Queensland are reporting improvements in patron safety and fewer violent incidents,” Mr Lawlor said.

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the Innisfail Liquor Accord should also be congratulated with 100 percent of the area’s licensed premises signing up as members.

“Such strong support from licensees means initiatives to improve patron safety can be introduced much faster to the community,” he said.

“Licensees have recognised the success of providing a safe environment for patrons increases immensely if everyone works as one.

Mr Pitt said the Accord is a cooperative group of 20 licensees who work together with police and other key stakeholders to develop plans and initiatives to improve the safety of patrons and neighbours of licensed premises.

"The work of the Accord will no doubt complement the work of the Community Against Violence Group in the Innisfail District now that it has been reformed."

Last changed: Mar 25 2010 at 10:27 AM