Push for tougher licensing laws for ACT and SA clubs

The ACT is considering tougher rules for licensed venues, following the release of a two-year independent review into its 2010 liquor law reforms.

While launching the review, Attorney-General Simon Corbell announced that alcohol-related assaults across the ACT were down by 11%, all alcohol related offences (except drink driving) by 21%, with drink driving offences down by 7%.

But the rise in alcohol-related assaults in Canberra’s city centre between midnight and 6am sparked a new wave of inquiry. Corbell said: “The Government will now focus on options for further reforms in relation to trading hours, outlet density, licence fees and restrictions on alcohol advertising and promotion. This will occur in consultation with all relevant stakeholders and the broader community. It is in these areas that the most significant results can be achieved to further reduce the impact alcohol misuse has on our community.”

In the meantime, there is a push to close all Adelaide’s licensed venues by 3am. Deakin University Associate Professor of Psychology Peter Miller made the call at a lecture at the Legal Services Commission Conference last Friday. Miller, who was a club bouncer for 12 years, said early closure would cut violence and save the community money than the current 3am lockout.