A trial on late entry bans to inner city licensed venues after 2am and a freeze on new late-night liquor licences are central to the Brumby Labor Government’s strategy to reduce the harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol related violence.
Mental Health Minister Lisa Neville said today said the 2008-09 State Budget provided $37.2 million to support the Brumby Labor Government’s Alcohol Action Plan.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to address the challenge of alcohol-related violence and binge drinking,” Ms Neville said.
“Our Government understands that many Victorians, especially parents, are concerned about the misuse of alcohol and the Victorian Alcohol Action Plan is key to the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to making Victoria the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
From 3 June 2008 patrons will not be able to enter pubs, nightclubs and other licensed venues after 2am in the cities of Melbourne, Stonnington, Port Phillip and Yarra. Patrons will be permitted to remain in a venue beyond that time.
“Evidence of similar programs in Queensland and regional Victoria shows that this can reduce alcohol-related violence on the streets, while not significantly restricting the vast number of patrons who do the right thing,” Ms Neville said.
The Brumby Government has also instituted a 12-month freeze on the granting new late-night liquor licence applications. The Government has committed $4.3 million to increase community awareness about the consequences of risky drinking and to encourage responsible drinking. There will be special emphasis on guidance and advice for parents.
“This initiative will also promote new laws which came into force on New Year’s Eve enabling Victoria Police and the Director of Liquor Licensing to deal with violence and antisocial behaviour in and near licensed venues,” Ms Neville said.
The Budget provides $17.6 million to create a compliance directorate in the Department of Justice to increase licence inspections and ensure compliance with new laws and regulations, review liquor licensing fees and develop an assault reduction strategy led by Victoria Police.
Ms Neville said the Budget commits $4.7 million in 2008-09 to early intervention and prevention initiatives to reduce drinking at risky levels and to encourage problem drinkers to seek help.
The Brumby Labor Government also will invest $9.4 million in the Quality Care for Alcohol Problems Project to help GPs and primary health teams to support early recognition and response for people with alcohol problems.
The Safe Streets public safety research and pilot evaluation led by Victoria Police will receive $1.2 million to provide a deeper understanding of the triggers and precursors to street crimes.
