Alcohol induced violence.

The New South Wales government is introducing measures to reduce the amount of alcohol induced violence in clubs and pubs.
Statistics are being examined and those premises with a litany of violence will face a range of restrictions - from outright closure to reduced hours, a requirement for added security guards - and possibly the implementation of restrictions of entry for those who have past transgressions.

Why are some clubs and pubs violent places ? The wise are well aware of places to avoid because on regular occasions they feature in media stories. Bashings and knifings. Wild melees. Mass arrests.

For some reason certain pubs and clubs seem to attract a type of person most people would choose to not rub elbows with. For a stranger to that part of town - it would not be hard to identify such a tavern.

For a start - the type of language being used without check. It is also not too hard to spot attitude - and to realise that a stranger would not have to do much to spark some sort of trouble.

Then there is the standard of attire. The lewd messages on " T " shirts. The fact that the " smoking " ban is being totally ignored. The number of people who have obviously imbibed too well.

If we intend to clean up the unsafe clubs and pubs in this state we will need to instill a little discipline. Licensee's will need the help of the police to enforce a code of conduct and refuse service to those who refuse to toe the line.

Many will remember times past - when " the Beatles " were all the rage - and clubs were refusing entry to young men with long hair. Perhaps that was extreme at the time - but look where we are now !

A " pub " is an abbreviation of " a public house ", but that does not mean that all standards of conduct do not apply. A " club " is an institution commonly owned by it's members - but again the majority decide what is and what is not acceptable.

If a publican or a club manager declines to maintain civilized rules in such an establishment - then the state has the right to withdraw registration. What is required is an obligation for those violent clubs and pubs to change their ways, maintain a degree of decorum - and decline those patrons who cause trouble.

For those that refuse - closure is the inevitable option !