User-pay Police proposed for Kings Cross

Violence in Kings Cross could be reduced 40–50% under a new strategy for supplementary policing after 11pm proposed by a coalition of Kings Cross venues and businesses.

Late-night venues would fund the extra high-visibility policing through levies on licensed premises imposed by the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing. The proposal comes from the Kings Cross Liquor Accord and the Potts Point and Kings Cross Partnership, which have a combined membership of over 500.

Operators of fast food outlets, near which many reported incidents occur, would be asked to co-operate by linking with a new rapid response unit and installing high quality CCTV, part of a network which could be monitored at the police station.

The proposal points out that by far the most incidents occur in the early hours on weekends, and that only 15–18% of assaults occur inside licensed premises. Most occurred in public space, which the venues could not control.

The extra policing would not only improve safety but the perception of safety. It proposes a public relations campaign to send a strong message that violence and anti-social behaviour are not acceptable in Kings Cross.

The move comes as Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Premier Nathan Rees have announced plans to bring in laws that would freeze the number of liquor licenses in Kings Cross, Oxford Street and parts of George Street.

Violence rates in these areas are already slightly below state averages. They contain five times the NSW average of licensed premises but less than four times the rate of NSW alcohol-related assaults.*

The proposal also posits a new taskforce including Council, the government, licensed premises and local businesses to address the following issues: lack of transport public and private transport after 11pm; Garbage bins and removal of refuse late at night; Better enforcement of alcohol-free zones (including from Council Rangers); Noise pollution from through traffic on weekends; and road closure trials for specific periods.

Clover Moore has also requested the Premier to create a licensing permit system for a three-year trial period, where liquor licence hours beyond core hours were granted via a permit. Extended operating hours would be granted as a privilege based on a record of proven good management. Non-compliant, violent and regularly infringed premises would face removal of their extended trading permit.

Ms Moore also wants improved mandatory training for licensed venue bar and security staff including communication skills to diffuse conflict.

by Michael Gormly

* Correction

In the print version of the July 2 edition of City News, some text was mistakenly changed in this story. The published text read: “Violence rates in these areas are already significantly above the state average, at four times the rate of NSW alcohol-related assaults.”

It should have read as per the above: “Violence rates in these areas are already slightly below state averages. They contain five times the NSW average of licensed premises but less than four times the rate of NSW alcohol-related assaults.”

MG