In an article on TheShout.com.au, the president of the Liquor Stores Association New South Wales, David Reberger expresses his belief that the regulation of liquor retailers is unjustified based on the arguent that it would reduce alcohol-related violence.
Mr Reberger was speaking recently at the LSA NSW Panel where he stated his support for efforts to reduce alcohol-related violence but said there wasn’t any evidence to support the greater liquor retailer regulation.
He went on to state:
“LSA NSW does not believe that there is justification for any regulation of liquor retailers based on an argument that it would reduce alcohol-fuelled violence,”
“The evidence is simply not there to support it. However the retail liquor industry, like the broader community supports a targeted approach from Police and greater penalties for anyone who goes out and inflicts harm on others. Our industry strongly supported the removal of consumption of alcohol beverages as an excuse for criminal and anti-social behaviour in NSW.”
He also highlighted the concern that non-alcohol related domestic violence is continuing to rise but alcohol related domestic assault in on the decline, indicating that alcohol is not to blame.
Mr Reberger went on to state,
“In addition, arrests for amphetamine-related offences, as well as cocaine and other narcotics are all on the rise.
“We commend the actions of NSW Police in rolling out Mobile Drug Testing. This action is a clear acknowledgement of the potential harms and risks associated with the increasing abuse of illicit drugs in our society.”
Mr Reberger also detailed that of the 200 strikes that have been issued in the 3 strike system, only 12 have been issued to packaged liquor licence venues.
He also spoke about the state’s laws requiring liquor stores to close at 10pm, saying it is unnecessary given that customers are mature adults that can make their own responsible decisions.
“As attested by the remarkably few packaged venues on the ‘three strikes’ list, our industry is favourably viewed for knowing our customers and doing the right thing by the communities we serve. We also think our customers are mature adults who weren’t doing anything wrong by being able to make a purchase after 10pm. And the evidence supports this.
He explained that evidence provided by BOCSAR proves that the 10pm forced closure measure for packaged liquor sales did not move the trend line at all from the previous decline, so it is unwarranted.
Reberger and the LSA welcomed the new Liquor & Gaming NSW regulator reforms to develop a new fit-for-purpose regulator to bridge the regulatory gap and eliminate stakeholder confusion between ILGA and OLGA. It is also hoped to streamline the existing processes and improve service delivery in government.