Alcohol - and violence !

The level of alcohol induced violence in Illawarra pubs and night spots has dropped sharply after Police established levels at which serving restrictions became mandatory.

The number of times police were called to " incidents " involving patrons became the benchmark.  When these reached nineteen or more in one year - the establishment was listed as " Level one ".
Incidents ranging between twelve and eighteen brought " Level two " status.

Police are happy to report that there are now no level one establishments in the Illawarra - and only two now attain the lower level two category.

There is a very real incentive for licensees to upgrade security in places serving alcohol.   Attaining the dreaded " Level one " category means serving beer in glass must cease at midnight - and be replaced by the unpopular plastic containers.  Restrictions disallow serving spirits in " shots " or " doubles " - and there is a limit of four drinks to each customer at each purchase.

These are measures that are unpopular with customers, so they not only deplete the owners profit margin, they also mean that serious drinkers go elsewhere.   As a result, the Illawarra is a far safer place at night.

It is a big improvement on the days when pub brawls were common and closing time disgorged a mob of bawdy revellers onto the streets, with resulting noise and damage to parked cars and public amenities.

The festive season is about to begin - and for many people that means a big increase in the use of alcohol.  It seems that venue owners have now got the message that violence is simply bad for business.   It is in their own interests to implement security measures to avoid incidents that will surely bring serving restrictions - and lower their profits.

A lot of people living in the vicinity of  clubs and pubs will be thankful that message has finally got through !