Oxford Street (Sydney Central) Precinct Liquor Accord – Summary
Hassle Free Nights is a comprehensive plan to reduce alcohol-related violence and foster safer, more vibrant entertainment districts.
It focuses on locally tailored solutions and a cooperative approach between NSW Police, Government agencies, councils, licensed premises, late-trading businesses and communities.
Among other things, Hassle Free Nights provides increased late night transport options across targeted entertainment districts, new laws to reduce street drinking, powers to regulate trading hours, and the establishment of Precinct Liquor Accords (PLAs) in Sydney Central, Manly, Parramatta, Wollongong and Newcastle/Hamilton.
The Sydney Central – Oxford Street Precinct Liquor Accord was developed by participants at meetings on 6 October and 10 November 2010, and approved by the Director-General, Communities NSW, on 25 February 2011. The following measures were based on extensive PLA participant, industry and stakeholder feedback:
1. Promote Alcohol Free Zones – Alcohol Free Zone (AFZ) maps listing related penalties for drinking in the area will be displayed in relevant venues.
2. Evaluation of new late night taxi rank on Oxford St (northern side), Darlinghurst – City of Sydney is trialling an additional taxi rank on the northern side of Oxford Street, near Taylor Square. The taxi rank will be trialled for six months and evaluated. The evaluation will inform whether the rank remains established beyond its six-month trial.
3. Precinct Management Plan – The Precinct Management Plan is an integrated policing, transport, security and cleansing plan to improve the transition between the night-time economy and the day-time economy in the precinct.
4. ‘No Excuse’ postcards – The ‘No Excuse’ postcard notifies patrons of their responsibilities under non-voluntary exclusion provisions of the Liquor Act 2007 by advising of the circumstances in which they may be refused entry into a licensed premises; the circumstances in which they may be asked to leave a licensed premises; and the criminal consequences of not undertaking the associated requirements.
5. RSA on the Frontline workshops – Restaurant, bar and security staff are expected to attend RSA on the Frontline workshops to learn practical tips, strategies and useful security practices. NSW Police (Surry Hills Local Area Command) will be invited to commit officers to assist with the workshops.
6. Precinct Safety Assessment (additional measure imposed by the Director-General) – The Precinct Safety Assessment will be a separate component of existing safety plans. The Assessment must articulate the responsibilities of the venue and actions being undertaken to contribute to the development of a safe and vibrant entertainment precinct.
Read the full version of the Sydney Central – Oxford Street Precinct Liquor Accord (pdf 403kb)
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