The alcohol debate: an insider’s view

OPINION

I think any debate is worthwhile, as the on-costs for alcohol abuse are significant to both government and venues in regards to health services, policing, security and management costs.

Unfortunately, placing layers and layers of new rules and conditions on premises does not work – it just becomes more and more complicated and onerous to police for both government agencies and venues.

There are ample powers in place now for a massive reduction in alcohol-related assaults and crime if the police prosecuted people who “fail to quit” or who dispute refusal of entry, which is currently not the case. A strong message needs to sent to the small percentage of patrons who play up on weekends and have no regard for the law or their behaviour. This is a “values” problem which is more deep-seated than simply blaming alcohol. Some of the current generation just do not seem to have learned basic values.

The majority of issues faced by premises are these “fail to quit” and refusal of entry situations, which often lead to assaults simply through exercising the current legislation.

However with alcohol-free zones being inadequately policed, the majority of assaults occur on the street between patrons waiting for transport and others who have been refused entry due to intoxication.

Another step needed is an education campaign by the Federal Government outlining the law and emphasising patron responsibility in the consumption of alcohol and unacceptable behaviour.

More layers of rules are rapidly pushing Australia into a “nanny state” with everything over-regulated. There needs to be greater recognition of patrons’ responsibilities before anything can be turned around, or we will just end up with a never-ending requirement for yet more resources to tackle the same problem.

Having premises check intoxication levels sounds simple but it’s not. Even if a patron is under a certain alcohol reading, it does not take into account other factors. For instance a high-energy drink may have been mixed with ice or an ecstasy tablet, resulting is problematic behaviour.

In summary the government in my opinion needs to educate on patron responsibility, create cultural shifts in drinking behaviour and education (this should start in schools) and the police need to be provided more resources and directives to get tough on problem patrons.

Even then the problem remains that whilst regulation of venues is one thing, what happens to alcohol consumption outside of controlled environments in homes etc? How do you alter the mindset of people who write themselves off away from venues?

Only a whole-of-government approach can effectively tackle alcohol abuse.

by Doug Grand, President, Kings Cross Liquor Accord