Port Macquarie liquor venues will be ringing ahead to notify each other of troublemakers under a new Hastings Liquor Accord mobile phone trial.
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Trialling the new mobile phone system, barring violent patrons and protecting venues from armed robbery were up for discussion at a recent Hastings Liquor Accord (HLA) meeting at Port Macquarie Panthers on March 12.
HLA president Alistair Flower said the Accord was looking to trial prepaid mobile phones at six locations in the CBD to create an at-the-door barring network for venues.
"The pilot program could be trialled next month by giving managers the ability to inform other venues about intoxicated patrons (who have been rejected entry)," he said.
The strategy to protect patrons and staff is similar to the HLA's current multi-venue barring policy which has been running since 2016 and allows members to share a barred patrons list.
"We are looking to protect venues, the safety of staff, security, police and patrons," said Mr Flower.
"You've got to do something very serious to make the list, assaults are clearly in that category and the list is also targeting drug distribution at venues."
Mr Flower said there are currently three people on the barred patrons list, one of whom has received a lifetime ban, and four yet to be considered for adding.
"One late night indiscretion could affect a family dinner later," he said.
"We're just making sure people are educated on what can happen."
Sergeant John Lawrie from Port Macquarie Police, who spoke at the meeting, said crime statistics were tracking well but the community could not afford to get complacent.
"Barring has been an initiative that we support, obviously it impacts on people who are misbehaving or violent by keeping them away from the public and venues," he said.
"As an industry run campaign it complements other strategies to combat violence and holds people to account."
Sgt Lawrie said the police will be starting regional checks for signage and Responsible Service of Alcohol certificates soon, as well as audits of grounds and sporting clubs.
Members at the event welcomed Fernhill Tavern's Aaron Robinson to the role of treasurer, and called for a member to stand for vice-president, which is currently vacant.
Members were also notified that there will be new NSW licensing courses in May and raised concerns about members of the public using friend's ID cards as their own.
Another presenter at the event, crime prevention officer Senior Constable Steve Cherry, said there would be an armed robbery prevention and awareness meeting for licensed premises later this month.
"Counting money late at night is not the best option. Consider counting the next day using drop-shoot safes with time delays," he said at the meeting.
"Let's make sure we are all on ball with security by making sure swipe cards and keys are accountable.
"Checking security cameras are clean, maintained and in good working order.
"If something does happen make sure to write down what has happened."
The armed robbery session will be presented by Australian Hotels Association director of liquor and policing John Green, NSW Police Force robbery and serious crime advisory group from 11am at Port Macquarie Panthers on March 26.
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