Wollongong 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 Wollongong Precinct Liquor Accord was developed by participants at meetings on 28 September and 28 October 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. Venue management commitments – The venue management measures are designed to contribute to a greater consistency in venue management throughout the precinct.

2. Hassle Free Nights bus – Venues will display A3 posters promoting the Hassle Free Nights secure bus. Two hundred A3 posters will be distributed to licensed premises, the University of Wollongong, TAFE NSW – Illawarra Institute and other appropriate outlets by Communities NSW.

3. Late night transport options wallet cards – The wallet card will contain information about late night transport options (including the Hassle Free Nights bus, trains and taxis). The wallet card will have Hassle Free Nights branding and include key messages about individual responsibilities under liquor legislation.

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. ‘Take the Hint. Call it a night without the fight’ radio campaign – The ‘Take the hint. Call it a night without the fight’ radio advertisement reinforces the non-voluntary exclusion provisions. It advises patrons of the requirement to leave licensed premises when asked and to ‘Call it a night without the fight’.

6. 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 (Wollongong Local Area Command) will be invited to commit officers to assist with the workshops.

7. 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.

8. Restrict Takeaway Liquor Sales (additional measure imposed by the Director-General) – In order to address the issue of drinking in the streets and pre-fuelling prior to entering licensed premises, takeaway liquor sales by mandatory participants in the Wollongong precinct will be restricted for a two-month trial from 1 March 2011.

9. Restrict the sale of ‘shots’ (additional measure imposed by the Director-General) – From 1 March 2011, venues must comply with restrictions on the sale of ‘shots’ from 1.30am on trading periods which commence on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights (plus day prior to public holidays) for a two-month trial.

10. Security Patrol in Crown Street Mall (additional measure imposed by the Director-General) – A trial of security patrols of Crown Street Mall and surrounds on Friday and Saturday nights will be undertaken for two months from March 2011. Four security guards will patrol the area from 8pm to 4am. The security guards will assist in ensuring the safety of the area, assist the safe migration of patrons along the pedestrian mall and alleviate anti-social behaviour. The security guards will work in close collaboration with local Police and the security personnel of licensed premises in the area.

Read the full version of the Wollongong Precinct Liquor Accord (pdf 454 kb)