Good news recently emerged about the number of violent incidents occurring at venues in NSW. According to BOCSAR (NSW Bureau of Statistics, Crime and Research) figures there has been a significant reduction in violence in venues, a fact that the industry attributed to better preventative practices.
The number of assaults happening on licenced premises apparently fell 23.7 per cent according to the BOCSAR report.
Between January 2007 and December 2012the number of assaults reported in licenced venues dropped significantly. BOCSAR however did caution that these figures may be exaggerated slightly because venues may fail to report incidents for fear of licence restrictions or loss under NSW disciplinary schemes.
BOCSAR then reportedly tested the validity of the figures by analysing 1600randomly selected incidents that took place during the same period and found “no statistical significance” in the rate of reporting by RSA staff at venues with recognised violence history versus those without.
This BOCSAR report comes shortly after the latest list of NSW’ most violent venues was released in March. The list featured the fewest venues since the program began which shows that perhaps the new measures are working.
An article on TheShout recently discussed the decline in assaults in licenced venues in the state as reported by BOCSAR and interviewed The AHA’s NSW directors of policing and regulations John Green. He told TheShout.com that the new measures involving operators and authorities are having the desired effect. As far as they are concerned, BOCSAR’s report further solidifies that new measures are working. RSA staff are doing their bit, working with police and reporting incidents.
He went on to explain in the article:
“And if you consider assaults in and around licensed premises are now at their lowest level in over 15 years, it demonstrates that licensees are working with police to reduce violence in and around venues.”
The precinct most thwarted by the increased focus on anti-social behaviour, Kings Cross, has seen significant changes, which CEO of the Kings Cross Liquor Accord Doug Grand says have made a big difference.
“In regards to the new measures in Kings Cross one of the main issues was the lack of late night transport options to allow late night patrons to leave the area,” said Grand.
“The major improvement under the Kings Cross Plan of Management has been the improved operation to the late night secure taxi rank in Bayswater Road and additional late night buses.
“This, along with a higher visibility police presence, and a collaborative focus between venues and Government, is having a positive effect in driving down anti-social behaviour.”
Source: http://www.theshout.com.au/2013/08/07/article/Anti-violence-measures-working/ZMMXNFYASK.html
It is important that employees of licenced venues continue to work with police and report violent episodes but it is also important that these staff do all they can to prevent situations escalating to this degree in the first place.
In order to do this employees of licenced venues must complete the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course – in addition to being a mandatory requirement in NSW it will also teach them what they need to know about serving alcohol responsibly so that customers do not become overly intoxicated and out of hand. Our homepage has more information about the RSA Course and how it can be completed today.