Report: high level of sexual harassment, drunk aggression, in Canberra, Hobart venues

Image: Hopscotch Bar

A new report looking into Canberra and Hobart’s entertainment precincts found a high level of sexual harassment, pre-drinking and violence.

The Drug and Alcohol intoxication and Subsequent Harm in Night-time Entertainment Districts (DASHED) report from Deakin University is here.

It found unwanted sexual attention high in or around licenced venues, 28% in Canberra and 26% in Hobart.

While all sectors agree sexual harassment is an issue to be confronted, battle lines have been drawn over other aspects of the report – with some groups using its statistics to reignite their previous calls for 2am closures and stronger penalties.

The report called levels of physical aggression “high” in the entertainment precincts – 17% in Canberra and 16% in Hobart; figures that are similar to other cities.

The rate of alcohol-related injury is higher than some other cities, 18% in Hobart and 17% in Canberra. 17.3% of victims are males aged 18 to 24 in both cities.

Alcohol-related crime costs Canberra taxpayers $11.7 million. 43% of these take place between 2am and 6am.

In Canberra, 56% of patrons pre-drink. 13% use substances other than alcohol, 17% have driven under the influence of alcohol and 9% while affected by drugs.

In Hobart, pre-drinking rises to 68%. 19% consume energy during a night out. 11% consume substances other than alcohol. 15% have driven after boozing and 5% after consuming drugs.

The report was funded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund. It made 20 proposals for both cities.

These included last drinks at 2am, naming and shaming venues that breach conditions, mandatory ID screenings, and increased penalties or temporary closures for venues with high assault rates.

Other suggestions included a national review of security standards and training in venues, a concerted tackling of pre-loading culture, bans on pests entering entertainment precincts, and a trial cessation of energy drinks after 10pm.

The initial response from the two Governments has been cautious.

ACT Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said the report will be considered, while the Government will continue consultations with the different sectors involved to “maintain a vibrant and safe nightlife in Canberra.”

Tasmanian Treasurer Peter Gutwein emphatically ruled out lockout laws.

He explained, “The Liquor Licensing Act amendments and supporting regulations that came into effect earlier this year provide an enhanced harm-minimisation measures and were based on extensive consultation over an extended period.”

The Tasmanian chapter of the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) stated a 2am ban was “unnecessary” as venues trading after midnight already need special licences and hence are vigilant about behaviour in their premises.

Keep Canberra Open, noting that the ACT’s hospitality and tourism industries create 16,000 jobs and inject $2 billion into the local economy, dismissed the report as “ridiculous” and a “gross overstatement” of the problem.

The Foundation For Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) found in the report “strong evidence” of restrictions on trading hours. AHA ACT responded that the ACT Government had already rejected a cut back on hours.