AHA chief to meet Maitland hoteliers

The new chief of the Australians Hotels Association is in the Hunter today, after an earlier visit where he was briefed on the Newcastle liquor sector's troubled history.

Alcohol-fuelled assaults have dropped by a third in Newcastle since lockouts, earlier closing times and other measures were introduced several years ago.

AHA CEO Paul Nicolaou is visiting tourism operators at Pokolbin today before meeting with hoteliers in East Maitland.

Maitland Liquor Accord Chairman Bruce Woods says the AHA chief is already familiar with the region.

"Paul's very well informed in issues that we have in licencing," he said.

"He has been to our area a couple of times before, particularly Newcastle looking at the issues we had there with late and he's been very very helpful in that regard."

Mr Woods has also praised Maitland Council for its efforts in ensuring there is a mix of vibrant local venues, with a new small bar recently approved.

Mr Woods says the diverse range of venues and minimal problems with violence are a credit to Council.

"Well we've had a very proactive Council here and the Liquor Accord was born out of the administrator some 12 years ago who recognised that liquor accords were part of consulting with the licenced community and the community broadly.

"We've had support from Council right up until now and in fact we've grown a little further and we're in the process of incorporation."

Source: ABC News, 5 October 2012