According to an article on Abc.net.au Sydney’s late night emergency services personnel have urged authorities to close all pubs and clubs in the state at 3am.
According to the NSW Police Association president, all current methods of tackling alcohol fuelled violence have failed if the number of emergency call outs and people being arrested are anything to go by. According to the police, it is obvious that Sydney needs stricter rules governing late codes.
This is what they are suggesting according to the article on Abc.net.au:
The President of the New South Wales Police Association says it’s time to admit policies to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence have failed.
Mr Weber says Sydney needs harsher restrictions.
“We need to reduce trading hours back to 3am, put restrictions in regard to the sale of shots and heavy liquor and also make sure there is lock-outs at 1am,” he said.
Nurses and health workers have joined the campaign calling for Sydney to follow the example of cities like Newcastle.
Mr Weber says there’s a 1am lockout and restrictions on the sale of shots in Newcastle and similar rules should be imposed across Sydney.
“We’ve seen a model up in Newcastle where there’s been a 37 percent reduction in regards to alcohol-related violence.
“That is across the board. At licensed premises, out on the street and even domestic violence. A 37 percent reduction.
“If we were talking about a road toll or cancer, it’d be implemented straight away,” he said.
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Although the NSW government has no current plans to implement heavier restrictions across Sydney’s venues, the Hospitality Minister George Souris says the so-called “Newcastle model” works because it covers a smaller area.
Especially on the weekends police, ambulance and hospital staff find themselves scrambling to keep up with call outs and emergencies related to alcohol fuelled violence and misconduct, taking time away from other patients with natural diseases and illnesses.
It is obvious that in NSW Responsible Service of alcohol is not being practiced as strictly as it should be. Anyone serving or selling alcohol has a responsibility to the community to enforce RSA rules when going about their job, to avoid the emergencies that we are seeing each and every weekend across the state.
If the emergency services staff get their way and venues are forced to close at 3am, staff of licenced venues will suffer a financial knock because their hours of work may be affected which would resulted in fewer tips and less shifts. In order to avoid this staff of licenced venues should ensure that they enforce the RSA rules which they have been trained to do, including not serving alcohol to minors and never serving an unduly intoxicated patron.
This can be difficult because while most intoxicated patrons show physical signs of being drunk, they may get someone else to purchase the alcohol on their behalf. Never the less look out for the signs – their eyes may become red and blood shot, their speech slurred or may even display signs of forgetfulness. Talking slowly or moving slowly is also a sign. They also commonly show a lack of coordination, instability resulting in stumbling, swaying, falling down, dropping glasses etc.
The person may stink of alcohol and sweat more than usual. Observe the early signs and avoid many of the consequences of over intoxication for the customer, yourself, your establishment and society in general.