The Rocks (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 – The Rocks 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. Special events best practice guide – The best practice guide will detail the existing strategies used during special events in The Rocks area to manage the influx of people into the area and to ensure the area is safe and trouble-free.
2. Shared communication network protocol – A shared communication network protocol will formalise the process for sharing information on problematic patrons and will enable a precinct approach to the refusal of entry to troublesome patrons. Having a consistent refusal from all venues in the area will discourage these patrons from staying in the area and will discourage them from pre-fuelling before coming to the area in future.
3. The Rocks late night bus – The Rocks late night bus has been promoted through signs at bus stops, wallet card timetables, newspaper ads and on screens in office buildings and venues. Increased promotion will assist with precinct management and the migration of patrons out of 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 (The Rocks 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 – The Rocks Precinct Liquor Accord (579 kb)
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