Pubs take unified stance on unruly

Members of the Orange Liquor Accord have called last drinks on unruly patrons at licensed venues in that city and, while no two locations are alike, you could see similar punishment in Wagga. 

Here, if you’re barred from one venue, you’re barred from all. That policy is in place at all licensed premises in Baylis Street, as well as the William Farrer and Farmers Home Hotel, and it is hoped it will be rolled out to other venues across the city. 

President of the Wagga Liquor Accord, David Dean, said the group had been in talks with its Orange counterpart and had recently held a meeting with the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing regarding measures to implemented here. 

Mr Dean, from the Sportsmen’s Club Hotel, said a committee was currently working its way through the logistics of the one venue, all venues policy and the appropriate penalties for it. 

He stressed that problems were specific to certain areas and there wasn’t a “one size fits all” approach. 

“(Orange) have a fair bit more trouble than we do,” Mr Dean said.

Under the barring policy, all Wagga venues have signage at their entry points – a constant reminder of acts which won’t be tolerated. 

“If someone comes in and assaults one of my staff I wouldn’t hesitate to ban them for life,” secretary of the Wagga accord and manager of the William Farrer Hotel, Dave Barnhill said.

“We want people to be able to come to venues, enjoy themselves and have a safe time.”

Mr Barnhill said the introduction of the policy, which is accompanied by other measures such as 1.30am lockouts, has resulted in a reduced number of assaults in the city. 

He said Wagga was one of the first areas in the state to have a 1.30am lockout and implement the one venue, all venues policy. 

“It’s quite a proactive accord, it’s been quite effective.”

Orange City Council, police and accord members have just agreed to formalise the penalties which have been part of that city’s accord since it began in 2008.

Included in their document is a minimum 20-year suspension for supplying alcohol to a minor and violent and/or aggressive behaviour.

A minimum of 10 years will be imposed for malicious damage or the possession of a prohibited drug.