LIQUOR LICENSING (POWER TO BAR) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 16 October 2008. Page 379.)

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (18:21): I rise briefly to indicate that I will be supporting the second reading of this bill. I met with the Commissioner yesterday and had a briefing with him. I can see absolutely no problems with this bill going through as it is. I indicate that I am pleased that some action is being taken to give bar workers and hotel owners some increased support to be able to bar problematic people for more than six months at a time if necessary, and that we will now have police involvement in that process.

I know that I have raised this issue on many occasions, but when I was working in hotels, especially in front bars, it could get quite scary at times. As a manager or duty manager of three different hotels, I was required to ask people to leave. On two occasions these people were associated with motorcycle gangs; and, as members can imagine, it was not a pleasant experience. There was no back-up for me in terms of police or anyone else to help us remove these people. On two occasions even the bouncers in the hotel were reluctant to get involved.

All I can say is that I am very pleased. I believe this piece of legislation will also tie in with the Serious and Organised Crime (Control) Bill. I urge other members to support this bill to give hotel owners and workers the support they have needed for many years.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. B.V. Finnigan.