POLICE INCIDENT

In reply to the Hon. R.I. LUCAS (22 November 2006).

In reply to the Hon. N. XENOPHON (22 November 2006).

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning): The Paradise Hotel has an extended trading license permitting trade in to the early hours of the morning. This hotel's gaming room is well patronised attracting a wide cross section of the general community. However, some persons frequenting the gaming room are of reputed bad character or of special interest to both the South Australia Police Licensing Enforcement Branch and Adelaide Police Local Service Area who have joint responsibility for policing these establishments.

At about 12.50 am on 14 November 2006, 5 police officers from Norwood Police Operations attended at the Paradise Hotel and conducted an inspection of the premises where they sought to identify those within gaming room at the time. It is an ongoing local strategy. Although police monitor under age drinking and gaming it was not their primary concern when attending the hotel on this occasion.

In total, 9 patrons and 1 security officer were identified as being in the hotel gaming room. Of the patrons spoken to 8 were male persons aged between 21-70 years and another was a female person aged 59 years. During the inspection police had a conversation with the Night Manager and Responsible Person who did not raise any issues about the policing action. At no time was the issue of under age people being present raised by police or the Responsible Person.

All police officers receive initial Police Academy training and on going workplace training in relation to the relevant legislation. The Liquor Licensing Act 1997, Summary Offences Act 1935, and Gaming Machines Act 1992, all provide relevant powers to police officers in relation to determining age and proof of identity.

The South Australia Police Licensing Enforcement Branch was established in March 2005, for the specific purpose of providing support to local police with intelligence gathering, investigation, prosecution and training in relation to licensing and gaming breaches. The Branch also forms partnerships with relevant stakeholders to ensure a pro active approach is taken within the relevant industries.