Pub bans double in two years
The West Australian
Thugs and louts are being banned from WA pubs at a record rate as part of police efforts to crack down on booze-fuelled, antisocial behaviour at licensed venues.
The Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor's latest annual report shows the number of people hit with so-called barring notices has more than doubled in the past two years.
The orders allow police to unilaterally ban patrons from pubs and clubs for up to 12 months.
Flouting a ban carries a maximum penalty of $10,000.
Police issued 454 orders in the 12 months to June 30, compared with 347 during the previous corresponding period and 203 in 2011-12, according to the department.
Since January 1, 550 barring notices have been slapped on antisocial patrons.
Separately, the number of people hit with "prohibition orders" - which are aimed at keeping criminals such as bikies and other "undesirable people" away from pubs for up to five years - also increased.
Police issued 43 of the orders last financial year, compared with 37 in 2012-13 and 35 in 2011-12.
In a recent letter to police, one person given a barring notice said the ban was an "excellent opportunity" to stop drinking and avoid a path of "self-destruction". However, the person said some venues were actively allowing excessive drinking and police needed to scrutinise them closely as well as unruly patrons.
WA Police attributed the big increase in barring notices to the dedication of an officer whose job it is to review incidents at pubs and clubs to identify whether someone should be banned.
Supt Jim Migro, from the licensing enforcement division, said the measure appeared to be working.
"The merit of barring notices is being embraced by police and we are now seeing its value with improved behaviour of patrons in licensed premises," Supt Migro said.
"Less than a dozen people have received a second barring notice, which I believe shows they make people behave.
"Police will continue to issue barring notices and patrons should be aware, if they misbehave on a licensed premise, I will ban them."
Source: The West Australian - 9th October 2014
