Ministerial Statement

ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR DISCUSSION PAPERS

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (14:06): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. M.D. RANN: I am pleased to advise the house that the government is today releasing two discussion papers on a suite of new measures designed to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence and antisocial behaviour in South Australia. Unfortunately, there are still some people indulging in binge drinking, resulting in alcohol-fuelled violence, antisocial behaviour and their ruining what should be a fun night out for everyone.

Furthermore, South Australia's entertainment areas have evolved and changed over time, resulting in 24-hour trading in some of our pubs and clubs. Recent media attention has increased public concern about violent, loutish and antisocial behaviour in our entertainment areas. People are entitled to feel safe in our entertainment areas and on our streets without the threat of violence or abuse.

The first discussion paper, 'A safer night out', proposes changes to the Liquor Licensing Act 1997, aimed at licensees and the general public. It proposes options to tackle alcohol-related violence and other antisocial behaviour in and around licensed premises and aims to promote the responsible service of alcohol, particularly in our entertainment precincts.

The second paper, 'Review of the code of practice for licensed premises', proposes strengthening the code of practice within the industry to promote responsible drinking. It is designed to provide licensees, the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner and the Commissioner of Police with the necessary authority to stamp out alcohol-related violence. These discussion papers follow the government's announcement late last year of a review of the Liquor Licensing Act. The first round of changes came into effect on 3 May this year.

What this government aims to achieve is to strike the balance between promoting a safe, vibrant and exciting city which can be enjoyed by patrons around the clock which is not spoiled by the violent and antisocial behaviour of those louts who consume way too much alcohol and, essentially, cannot hold their liquor. Among the changes proposed are:

Strengthening the powers of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner to take action against venues where antisocial problems are occurring. This would include, in some cases, increasing security guards or cameras and enforcing a lockout at venues where there is antisocial behaviour or violence taking place out in the street.

New powers for the Police Commissioner to close a licensed premises in an emergency situation, such as a shooting, or during or after a brawl.

The introduction of a mandatory three-hour closing to licensed pubs and clubs trading between 4am and 7am or between 5am and 8am; in other words, a proposal in this discussion paper to end 24-hour licensed premises being open to drinkers.

The introduction of a scheme of annual liquor licensing fees so that the industry makes a more effective contribution to the cost of compliance and enforcement, a move that will bring our state into line with most other states.

Tighter regulations of 'party buses', including a requirement to make water and non-alcoholic drinks available, and the establishment of 'no-go' drop-off zones and designated set-down points for passengers, such as locations near taxi stands.

On 18 November 2009 the minister announced that the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner would consult with industry groups on the development of a new code of practice. The code is there to promote the responsible sale, supply and consumption of liquor, and the proposed changes seek to mandate a range of practices within the code. These relate to minors, intoxication, disturbances, disorderly or offensive behaviour, and promoting responsible attitudes to the consumption of liquor, including mandatory training of staff in the responsible service of alcohol.

It also allows discretionary action to be taken at late trading premises where antisocial behaviour is occurring. These include requiring improved security such as CCTV, or participation in a radio network, queue management, restricting liquor sales and prohibiting breakable glasses and containers.

We are all ultimately responsible for our own consumption of alcohol and resulting behaviour. While we know that most people drink sensibly and many licensees actively promote the responsible service of alcohol, there are, unfortunately, those who ruin a great night out for others. The government intends to consult with the community and industry over the next six weeks and invite public submissions by 3 September. This is about putting a pause, ending 24-hour licensed premises trading; it is about giving the Police Commissioner the right to step in and close down premises where antisocial and violent behaviour is occurring.