AT the recent Hastings Liquor Accord meeting, members voted overwhelmingly to support the implementation of a multi-venue barring arrangement.
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Patrons who demonstrate significantly inappropriate behaviour on a licensed premises may be barred from entering any licensed venue in the Port Macquarie and Hastings region.
Accord members are sending a strong message that licensees will not tolerate acts of threatening or aggressive behaviour, anti-social or disorderly behaviour, vandalism, malicious damage or repeated disturbance, repeated intoxication, refusing to leave a venue when requested and use, possession or distribution of illegal drugs.
“Our message is simple. Behave or be barred,” said Adam Barbuto, president of the Hastings Liquor Accord.
A patron that fails to comply with the multi-venue barring policy may be committing an offence under the Liquor Act and may face a potential penalty of up to $5,500.
The banning period can be from 24 hours right up to a lifetime ban for the most extreme cases.
The multi-venue barring policy has the support of the NSW Police Service and the NSW Department of Justice, Liquor and Gaming.
Some accord members already operate a combined barring arrangement and are reporting great success.
“The positive change in the behaviour of our patrons over the past 12 months is a testament to the success of our combined barring policy,” said Philip McGrath of the Port Macquarie Hotel.
“We will not tolerate poor behaviour and will take a strong stand against those patrons who misbehave.”
The Port Macquarie Hotel, Town Green Inn, Tacking Point Tavern, The Beach House, Zebu Bar and Altitude Nightclub have been sharing barred patrons list for the past 12 months.