Ian Clarke – who provided a different surname to safeguard his employment prospects – believes the “barred from one, barred from all” approach does not allow enough opportunity for repentance.  

He alleges he was removed from the venue for falling asleep, and was banned when he tried to re-enter – something which he believes was not ban-worthy. 

“I had a bit too much to drink and so I was removed, but then I lined back up and just went inside,” he said.

“When they saw me back inside the venue, they told me I wouldn’t be welcome back and I haven’t been able to since.

“I’ve tried speaking to the manager and explaining that I was sorry and felt the ban was harsh, but he didn’t agree and refused to show any leniency.”

It comes as a total of 169 revellers have been barred from Wagga’s pubs, clubs and bars to date. 

The liquor accord’s heavily fluctuating list peaked tremendously this week after just 95 people remained barred in January, 2016. 

Of those 95, only 36 had been issued with lifetime bans. 

The Wagga Liquor Accord has long defended its stance on barring patrons, clarifying those involved have either been implicated in on-going drugs and violence issues, or were involved in serious crimes.

Publican and Wagga Liquor Accord treasurer Sean O’Hara said bans were carried out to a strict criteria..

“It doesn’t matter how many times you deliver the message, some people don’t get it,” he said. 

“These initiatives are in place to protect the community and reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour in licensed venues.”