RSA Course Online

Author: Peter Cutforth

  • The NT gets tough new alcohol restrictions

    According to the Northern Territory’s police commissioner, those who are critical of the government’s moves to push through tough new alcohol legislation should consider the women and children who are suffering in the NT because of alcohol abuse and drunken partners and parents.

    The new restrictions include alcohol protection orders which will ban people who are charged with committing a serious offence while intoxicated from possession or drinking alcohol or entering a licensed premises for 3 to 12 months.

    According to the Chief Minister Adam Giles this is significant because a staggering 70 per cent of domestic violence incidents in the NT are as a result of alcohol abuse.

    The orders can be issued to any person who is charged with an offence that would attract a potential jail term of 6 months or more and could be implemented before they are found guilty by the courts.

    Giles explained that if people want to avoid these restrictions, they should simply refrain from “bashing” their wives and don’t drink to such an extent that they end up punching someone in a licenced venue or drive home drunk.

    The police commissioner, John McRoberts echoed the sentiments of Giles and said that the aim of the restrictions was to deal with those who behave badly under the influence of alcohol, he went on to explain:

    “This legislation, as far as police are concerned, is designed to deal with harmful effects of alcohol and target those who behave irresponsibly,” Police Commissioner John McRoberts said.

    “Far too often we see people mourning the morning after, because what started out as a pleasant night out for some has turned into an utter catastrophe for others.”

    It will be up to police to stop banned people entering licensed venues and buying alcohol, and licensees may be provided with photos and names of those banned so they don’t unknowingly serve them.

    Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/11/28/15/53/alcohol-orders-set-to-pass-nt-parliament

    One would think that this move would be bad for business and therefore would not be supported by businesses, but the Australian Hotels Association says it is supportive of the move because it helps staff of licenced venues who would otherwise have to deal with these drunken offenders.

    The post goes on to explain:

    “I don’t think this puts the onus on staff,” AHA NT senior vice-president Mick Burns said.

    “It targets the problem, it doesn’t target 99 out of 100 people that do the right thing and go out and enjoy a drink and don’t do the sort of things we read about on the front page of the paper.”

    Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/11/28/15/53/alcohol-orders-set-to-pass-nt-parliament

    The restrictions do have some critics who believe that it will criminalise drinking. The post goes on to explain:

    Critics of the legislation say it will criminalise alcoholism and disadvantage Aboriginal people, and say that it’s more cumbersome than the previous Labor government’s Banned Drinkers Register, which created a centralised system for bottle shops and licensed premises to scan patron IDs and refuse service to those banned.

    Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/11/28/15/53/alcohol-orders-set-to-pass-nt-parliament

     

  • Responsible Service of Alcohol News: Parramatta Alcohol Violence gets Out of Hand

    While many parts of the country are experiencing progress in the fight against alcohol fuelled violence, there are some areas where alcohol fuelled violence is still alarmingly high. In fact in some areas the levels of alcohol fuelled violence are on the increase. Parramatta and its CBD in particular are one such area.

    Police have expressed major concerns over alcohol fuelled violence and other anti-social behaviour in Parramatta’s CBD especially over the weekend.

    Last weekend was no different with police from the Parramatta Local Area Command and the Alcohol and Licensing Enforcement Command (ALEC) removed 2 intoxicated men from a bar in Parramatta’s Church Street. The 2 men became argumentative and aggressive when approached by the police.

    The police officers managed to remove the 2 troublemakers from the bar but a large crowd joined in and became aggressive towards police and tried to intervene in the arrests. Because of this behaviour, officers had to be brought in from the Public Order and Riot Squad to assist in dispersing the crowd.

    Read what happened according to a post by www.ParramattaSun.com.au

    Police will allege during a number of inspections of the bar they located two men in seriously intoxicated states.

    One man refused medical treatment while another was allegedly so intoxicated he had to be taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment.

    A third man was allegedly found in the car park of the premises in a drunken state and also had to be taken to hospital for treatment.

    A number of people were charged or infringed for alcohol-related offences.

    This included three men who were charged with failing to quit licensed premises.

    Another man was issued a court attendance notice for assault police, resist arrest and offensive conduct while three people were issued criminal infringement notices for offensive language and re-entering the premises after they were excluded.

    Source: http://www.parramattasun.com.au/story/1781531/alcohol-fuels-trouble-in-parramatta/?cs=12

    According to Acting Parramatta commander, Superintendent Karen Webb the police need pubs and clubs to work with them in the responsible service of alcohol to reduce alcohol fuelled incidents such as assaults caused by excessive and irresponsible drinking.

    All employees, management and owners of licenced venues need to ensure that they are properly trained on Responsible Service of Alcohol measures and are enforcing RSA rules when they supply alcohol to customers – it is vital to overcoming alcohol fuelled misconduct.

    The police have vowed to continue to conduct patrols of licensed premises to ensure the safety of patrons. The article goes on to explain:

    “Every weekend police are out on patrol to ensure the safety of the community but we can only do so much,” she said.

    “More often than not, those who drink to excess find themselves making poor choices, passing out in the street or leaving themselves vulnerable.

    “It is sad people feel the need to get blind drunk to have a good time and it is about time people took responsibility for their actions.”

    Superintendent Webb assured the community and local businesses that police were committed to reducing alcohol-related crime in Parramatta.

    Source: http://www.parramattasun.com.au/story/1781531/alcohol-fuels-trouble-in-parramatta/?cs=12

     

  • Could Alcoholism be linked to Genetics

    Alcoholism, what causes it and how it can be better treated is a subject that has long fascinated scientists. Now a group of scientists in the UK may have found the cause of alcoholism or at least the reason why some people tend to gravitate so strongly towards alcohol while others don’t.

    The research which was conducted on mice showed that a mutated gene could be causing certain people to drink more than others.

    According to researchers the gene that regulates alcohol consumption Gabrb1 can sometimes become damaged and this causes excessive drinking in mice and possibly in humans too.

    The lead researcher on the project had this to say about the findings:

    Professor Howard Thomas, from the Department of Medicine at Imperial College London, said: “We know from previous human studies that the GABA system is involved in controlling alcohol intake. Our studies in mice show that a particular subunit of GABAA receptor has a significant effect and, most importantly, the existence of these mice has allowed our collaborative group to investigate the mechanism involved. This is important when we come to try to modify this process first in mice and then in man.”

    Source: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/newssummary/news_26-11-2013-15-15-35

    The Gabrb1 gene, according to researchers changes alcohol preference so strongly that mice carrying either of two mutations in this gene preferred drinking a 10 per cent alcohol solution rather than water.

    Another UK professor explained why the research and its findings are so significant to society and to the treatment of alcoholism:

    Professor Hugh Perry, Chair of the MRC’s Neurosciences and Mental Health Board, said: “Alcohol addiction places a huge burden on the individual, their family and wider society. There’s still a great deal we don’t understand about how and why consumption progresses into addiction, but the results of this long-running project suggest that, in some individuals, there may be a genetic component. If further research confirms that a similar mechanism is present in humans, it could help us to identify those most at risk of developing an addiction and ensure they receive the most effective treatment.”

    Source: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/newssummary/news_26-11-2013-15-15-35

    Basically the study found that normal mice generally will choose to drink little or no alcohol when given a choice between alcohol and water. But mice with a mutation in the Gabrb1 gene preferred drinking alcohol over water, choosing to drink 85 per cent of their daily fluid intake as alcohol and even were willing to work to obtain alcohol, for example pushing a lever to get to the alcohol. This behaviour sounds surprisingly similar to that of people with severe alcohol addictions.

    According to one researcher involved in the study, Dr Quentin Anstee, Consultant Hepatologist at Newcastle University and joint lead author, it is quite amazing to consider that a small change in the code for just one gene can have such a profound effect on such complex behavioural patterns such as alcohol consumption.

    The researchers explained that this study is valuable in that it provides somewhat of a guide to develop better treatments for alcoholism in the future.

     

  • Alcohol, can we get the buzz without the side effects?

    It’s a question we often ask ourselves, how can we drink and enjoy ourselves without the horrible after effects associated with a hangover?

    Well soon this may become a reality. “So called “healthy” alcohol may be just a few years away according to a British Professor.

    The professor says that we should have a drink that provides all the positive effects of alcohol but none of the negatives in the next 2 years or so, if someone is willing to fund his research.

    Professor David Nutt, a drugs expert believes that healthy alcohol is the future of alcohol but to continue his research he needs a financial backer.

    An article on News.com.au provided some background on the Professor,

    Professor David Nutt, who once said taking ecstasy was no more dangerous than riding a horse, wants to create a drink that gives people the sensation of intoxication without hangovers, long-term health problems, or addiction.

    The professor, who in 2009 was fired as the UK Government’s chief drugs adviser, claims to have identified compounds which provide the pleasurable feelings of alcohol but don’t lead to aggression and addiction.

    He sees them being added to a range of flavoured cocktails sold in bars alongside normal alcohol.

    He also claims to have an “antidote” to the chemicals to instantly sober you up.

    “You have the pleasure of being inebriated, take another drug, then sober up and drive home,” Professor Nutt claims.

    Source: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/healthy-alcohol-the-wonderdrink-that-is-hangover-proof/story-fneuzlbd-1226758133989

    Professor Nutt has discussed this “antidote” before. He first flagged the concept in 2006 after scientists created drugs to mimic the effect of being drunk.

    In 2009 the professor revealed that he had begun working on “healthy alcohol”, claiming it would help combat Britain’s binge drinking epidemic.

    The Professor promises that his research had developed alcohol which did not cause a hangover or any adverse effect on the liver and even claims to have trialled the method on himself.

    Prof Nutt says that when testing the antidote on himself, he was in a state of intoxication and five minutes after was sober and giving a lecture.

    The professor is now appealing for funding and investment into his research which in his words would help solve a very serious problem.

    Prof Nutt says that his “healthy alcohol” mimicks real alcohol by targeting the brains “gaba” neurotransmitter, so you get the benefits without the down side.

    The Professor went on to explain:

    “The other great advantage of this scientific approach to intoxication is that if we target compounds that affect the Gaba system, then it is possible to produce other drugs that could be sold alongside the alcohol substitute as an antidote,” he wrote in the Guardian.

    “The challenge is to prepare the new drink in a fashion that makes it as tasty and appealing. This is likely to be in the form of a cocktail, so I foresee plenty of different flavours. “

    Source: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/healthy-alcohol-the-wonderdrink-that-is-hangover-proof/story-fneuzlbd-1226758133989

    The professor expects that his healthy alcohol will be ready to hit the market within the next 2 years, until then we will have to settle for drinking in moderation and being responsible drinkers.

     

  • Alcohol Campaign Warns Youth to Avoid Drinking

    A new alcohol campaign aimed at educating young people about the risks associated with alcohol is gaining momentum since its launch recently.

    The campaign which costs $300,000 was launched by the Mental Health Minister, Helen Morton outside the Royal Perth Hospital emergency department and is also being backed by Dr Fiona Wood, Perth based burns surgeon and former Australian of the Year.

    The backing of Dr. Wood is significant because as a burns surgeon she has seen first-hand how devastating the effects of alcohol can be when it is abused and people make the wrong choices.

    An article on News.com.au quoted Dr. Wood as saying,

    “When I was asked to join and put my shoulder to the wheel for this (campaign) I said I see this, I see young lives changed so often,” she said.

    “I think if only. If only someone has thought, ‘actually do we need to do this?’ If only someone had thought as parents let’s ring each other and stand as a united front. If only someone has thought to stand back from that barbecue. To stand back from that aerosol can.

    “Then those lives that I see changed in an instant would be happy lives without scarring, that would have the opportunity to reach their potential.”

    Source: http://www.news.com.au/national/western-australia/dr-fiona-wood-and-mental-health-minister-helen-morton-launch-new-alcohol-campaign-directed-at-teens-and-parents/story-fnii5thn-1226756788073

    The Australian School Students Alcohol and Drug Survey 2011 indicated that the number of students in Western Australia who are drinking at dangerous levels has risen in every age group.

    The survey also indicated that more than 28 per cent of students were getting alcohol mostly from the parents and 26 per cent were getting from friends.

    One of the reasons why medical professionals such as Dr Wood were so supportive of the campaign was because of the increasing number of young people who were showing up at Princess Margaret Hospital with injuries related to alcohol.

    Dr Wood went on to explain:

    “We see really quite more severe burns often … as a combination of being in a more hazardous environment with your capacity to protect yourself being impaired,” she said.

    “I think young children choosing not to drink is something to be encouraged.

    “And adding that understanding to people that if they do choose to drink it’s not just that drink, that night. It’s the flow on effects from that situation.”

    Source: http://www.news.com.au/national/western-australia/dr-fiona-wood-and-mental-health-minister-helen-morton-launch-new-alcohol-campaign-directed-at-teens-and-parents/story-fnii5thn-1226756788073

    The campaign is not only meant to educate young people, but their parents as well about the impacts of alcohol on these youths. Students and their parents need to understand the importance of making the right decisions when it comes to alcohol.

    Helen Morton went on to explain about the campaign:

    “I’m sure that the police will have their usual road blocks etc but the area that I’m most focused on is making sure that we give parents really good, factual information around the impact of alcohol on young people – young people’s developing brains and young people’s developing bodies,” she said.

    Source: http://www.news.com.au/national/western-australia/dr-fiona-wood-and-mental-health-minister-helen-morton-launch-new-alcohol-campaign-directed-at-teens-and-parents/story-fnii5thn-1226756788073

    As Morton explained, parents that are educated and provided with the necessary information will make better choices which will benefit their children and young people and hopefully reduce much of the harm being done by alcohol among this age group.

     

  • Campaign urges parents not to give their children alcohol

    The issue of parents giving alcohol to their underage children has once again come under the spotlight.

    This time the Western Australian state government is urging parents to think about the dangers of underage drinking before supplying alcohol to their children.

    The state government has launched a new campaign which will feature on the radio, television as well as print advertisements and will highlight the effects of alcohol on the brain of young people. This follows research which reveals that a disturbingly high number of young people are obtaining alcohol from their parents.

    The following is an excerpt from a post on Abc.net.au which explains more about the campaign and the government’s warnings:

    The State Government has launched a new campaign warning parents about the dangers of supplying alcohol to children.

    The television, radio and print advertisements highlight the effects alcohol has on brain development in young people.

    The government says the latest data shows almost a third of young people got their last alcoholic drink from their parents.

    Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-10/alcohol-ads/5081760

    There is an overwhelming body of evidence which proves that alcohol can be damaging to the developing brain of a teenager, yet many parents fail to recognise the risks and continue to provide their children and their children’s friends with alcohol.

    Either parents are too ignorant of the risks to their children ‘s health or they are trying to teach their teens to drink responsibly however the problem with this approach is that it fails to recognise that even moderate amounts of alcohol can damage the brain of a young people, most times irreversibly.

    The post also goes on to explain:

    The Mental Health Minister Helen Morton says the evidence that alcohol can damage a young person’s brain and body is clear.

    Mrs Morton says the advertisements coincide with end-of-school year celebrations, when some parents consider providing alcohol for their children.

    “I believe parents haven’t had the awareness or the understanding around the impacts of alcohol and the damage it can cause to young people’s brains and bodies,” she said

    Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-10/alcohol-ads/5081760

    I am reminded of a recent study discussed in an article on British website Dailymail.co.uk which detailed the findings of a study conducted by psychologist, Dr Aric Sigman.

    Dr. Sigman explained that delaying alcohol introduction to children is best because alcohol can do long lasting neurological damage to their developing brains and bodies.

    The psychologist has appealed to British parents and parents across the EU to refrain from giving their children alcohol until they are of 18 years old age. In fact he believes people shouldn’t drink until they are 25.He also explained that the earlier in life a child begins drinking, the more likely they are to develop a drinking problem.

    Sigman warned parents that for the health of their children they should wait till their children are at least 16 before they introduce them to alcohol at home. Obviously it is best to wait till teenagers are of legal drinking age (18 in Oz) before allowing them to drink alcohol but those parents who want to teach their children responsible drinking should not do so until they are at least 16.

    For more on Sigman’s research read the full post at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2320218/Under-18s-banned-having-ANY-alcohol-Warning-attempts-introduce-children-drinking-risks-turning-alcoholic-later-life.html

     

  • Centre for Safety Research says Cars should have Alcohol Locking Devices Fitted

    According to South Australian experts, all cars should be fitted with alcohol testing ignition blocks. These experts claim that this move would almost eliminate drink driving within a decade, ultimately saving many lives and millions of dollars.

    According to a new report by The Centre for Automotive Safety Research in South Australia, authorities should consider fitting permanent alcohol interlock devices to the vehicles of repeat drink drivers as soon as possible. This would bring South Australian drink driving laws in line with other states which have already introduced mandatory interlock devices for repeat drink driving offenders.

    According to one of the authors of the report, Trevor Bailey who spoke to The Advertiser, “the new touchpad technology could be introduced to all vehicles to save lives”.  He went on to explain:

    He said if the “quick, accurate, reliable, unobtrusive and cheap” touchpad technology – which measures alcohol in perspiration – was fitted to all vehicles “then drink driving could be almost eliminated within 10 years”.

    “If an illegal concentration of alcohol is detected, then the vehicle will not start,” he said.

    “If the community were to support such testing on a widespread basis as a normal pre-driving check, as well as continuing existing interlock programs for offenders, then drivers with illegal alcohol levels will be prevented from entering the road system rather than being detected while on the road.”

    Mr Bailey said touchpad technology could be made a standard safety requirement for new cars and also rolled out to existing vehicles.

    Source: http://www.news.com.au/national/south-australia/centre-for-automotive-safety-research-report-urges-fitting-of-alcohol-locking-devices-to-the-vehicles-of-repeat-drink-drivers/story-fnii5yv4-1226758593549

    At the moment mandatory breathalyser devices are already being installed to cars of drivers caught with a blood alcohol reading of 0.15 per cent or higher or where a repeat offence is committed where the reading registers more than 0.08.

    The researchers discovered that this may not be sufficiently safe because once people had their interlock devices removed, the risks of reoffending also returned.

    And as the researchers explained, the minority of repeat offenders who do not seem capable of changing their behaviour may need to have the mandatory interlock device fitted as the only way for them to maintain the right to drive.

    Figures seem to support the researcher’s claims. Currently it seems increasing numbers of drivers are being forced to fit an interlock device.

    SA figures indicated that more than 2700 drink drivers have been caught 3 or more times in the past decade while an even worse group of about 42 drivers had been caught 6 six times. The worst group of drivers of about 16 drivers were caught 7 times or more over the limit.

    The alcohol interlock device works in a way that makes it compulsory for drivers to blow into the device before turning on the car’s ignition. The device then measures the breath alcohol level and if over the limit will prevent the car’s engine from starting.

     

     

  • Epidemic of Female Alcohol Abusers Rapidly Spreading

    The number of women drinking alcohol, especially those binge drinking alcohol has seen a dramatic rise across the globe. In most developed countries female drinkers are the ones driving growth in alcohol markets. Globally, the richer the country the more drinkers and the smaller the gap between male and female consumption.

    The alcohol industry is aware of the fact that women are driving the growth and are capitalising on this. Alcohol advertising is increasingly being aimed at the female market with multiple brands competing for the loyalty of women, fruit and berry flavoured vodkas, coolers, alcohol lemonades, low calorie drinks etc.

    Unfortunately many still think of alcohol abuse as a male-dominated problem but an increasing number of women are becoming addicted to alcohol.

    Alcohol dependency and addictions have long been thought of as a male dominated problem but the truth is more and more females are falling victim to this epidemic, as an increasing body of research is proving.

    In a recent article on News.com.au one writer describes her journey into alcohol abuse and how alcohol subtly takes its place in our lives as we go through ups and downs, one glass a day turns into two, then three, then a bottle a day until we become totally dependent on that drink to cope.

    “Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol” by Ann Dowsett Johnston tells the story of Ann, an accomplished writer and mother who used alcohol to get through the difficult times in life that we all experience.

    There is an interesting portion of the article on News.com.au which gives us more insight into not only female drinking habits and motivations but drinking by different generations. Read an excerpt from the article below:

    Preeminent American alcohol researcher Sharon Wilsnack, of the University of North Dakota, believes we are now witnessing a “global epidemic” in women’s drinking. In 2011, Katherine Keyes, now an assistant professor at Columbia University, reviewed 31 international studies of birth-cohort and gender differences in alcohol consumption and mortality. Her conclusion? Those born after the Second World War are more likely to binge drink and develop alcohol-use disorders than their older counterparts.

    “Those born between 1978 and 1983 are the weekend warriors, drinking to black out,” Keyes says. “In that age group, there is a reduction in male drinking, and a sharp increase for women.”

    Meanwhile, women who are in their 40s and 50s have a very high risk in terms of heavy drinking and weekly drinking. “We’re not saying, ‘Put down the sherry and go back to the kitchen,’ ” says Keyes. “But when we see these steep increases, you wonder if we are going to see a larger burden of disease for women.”

    Source: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/female-alcohol-abuse-is-a-global-epidemic/story-fneuzlbd-1226734156286

    This increase may explain why so much of today’s alcohol marketing is aimed at women.

    Another reason is because women are increasingly being accepted into male dominated circles, this increases their opportunity to drink to keep up with their male counterparts. This also increases their risks of alcohol abuse disorders.

    Women should remember that it takes less alcohol to get them intoxicated than it does males and size also has something to do with it. The other factors that influence the effects of alcohol include:

    • Persons size, weight, age, gender,
    • The type and quantity of alcohol consumed
    • Persons unique body chemistry
    • Amount of food in the persons stomach
    • The drinking experience a person has
    • The mental health status of the individual
    • Health conditions that could be increased or made worse by alcohol

     

     

  • Drinking Restrictions in NSW lead to lower rate of Assaults

    According to the latest figures from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics (BOCSAR) assaults at licensed venues seems to be on the decline, apparently due to tougher conditions for drinkers and restrictions on licensed venues across the state.

    The measures are believed to be the greatest cause of the decline in alcohol related assaults according to the state’s number one crime statistician.

    The crime statistics show that assaults at licensed premises were stable over the last 2 years but have declined by about 7.9per cent each year over the past 5 years.

    This post from Bigpondnews.com explains further,

    Before 2009, assault rates at licensed premises were rising. But government-imposed restrictions, which started in Newcastle, have helped drop the frequency of boozed-up bashings, BOCSAR director Don Weatherburn told AAP.

    ‘It’s not going down really rapidly but 7.9 per cent per annum’s not to be sniffed at,’ he said.

    ‘Getting tough with licensed premises that serve alcohol to intoxicated people is working.’

    But he doesn’t know whether the government needs to crack down further.

    ‘The measures that are in place at the moment are pushing it down,’ he said.

    ‘Maybe we should just keep things as they are until and unless we see it level out again.

    ‘It’s not rising, it’s not stable, it’s falling so I think the current policy settings are probably doing good.’

    Source: http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Crime/2013/09/12/NSW_drinking_restrictions_drop_assaults_905642.html

    The only area where violent offences have increased is lower northern Sydney were it has increased by 11.5 per cent, other than that the rate of violent offences in metropolitan areas has stabilised.

    The statistics also show that although assaults at licensed venues are declining, indecent and domestic assault are on the rise in part of the state.

    The report from BOCSAR measures crime trends across 154 local government areas over the last 2 years to June 2013. The report shows that there have been a considerable increase in indecent assaults. These indecent assaults are up 38 per cent in Sydney’s inner west and up by 23.3 per cent at the mid-north coast.

    The report also shows a spike in the number of drug possession charges, particularly possession and use of ecstasy which increased by an alarming 70.8 per cent. The report showed cocaine use up by 44.1 per cent and amphetamines by 22.1 per cent.

    Another notable increase was in the number of alcohol thefts which has increased by 34.5 per cent.

    The article goes on to explain,

    Dr Weatherburn said he believed this figure reflected better policing, not that more people are using drugs.

    ‘Police ran operations, arrested a lot of people for drug possession,’ he said.

    Shootings remained stable and murder and attempted murder have dropped.

    The opposition used the figures to take a swipe at the government, saying it is ‘not putting a dent in the gun violence playing out in our suburbs.’

    Fraud has risen 22 per cent over the 24 months to June this year.

    ‘The majority of these offences involve the unauthorised use of credit cards and bank cards,’ Dr Weatherburn said.

    Source: http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Crime/2013/09/12/NSW_drinking_restrictions_drop_assaults_905642.html

     

  • Do you think Underage Teens should be allowed to serve alcohol?

    The NSW Restaurant and Catering Association (R&CA) wants the state government to implement changes to the law which would allow minors to serve alcoholic drinks.

    Although 16 year olds can’t legally buy alcohol if these controversial changes are passed they may be able to serve alcohol in restaurant bars and dining areas to overcome staff shortages. Currently under NSW law, staff of licensed venues must be at least 18 years old to serve alcohol.

    The NSW R&CA represents 11,500 venues in the state and wants the government to follow in the footsteps of Queensland and allow minors to serve alcohol.

    According to the chief executive officer John Hart, the move would help restaurant and bar owners desperate for additional staff.

    He was quoted on the website www.dailytelegraph.com.auas saying,

    “So long as a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course has been completed, junior staff – 16 or someone in Year 11 or 12 – should be allowed to serve booze,” he said.

    “At the moment, you’ve got a situation where someone orders a beer and a burger and junior staff can only serve the burger and has to get someone else to serve the beer.”

    Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/nsw-restaurant-and-catering-association-calls-for-underage-teens-to-be-able-to-serve-alcohol/story-fni0cx12-1226718539061

    Every 5 years the NSW government has a review of the liquor laws, this time around scores of submissions have been put forward, one of which being the NSW Restaurant and Catering Association’s (R&CA) request for staff as young as 16 to be able to serve alcohol.

    The post on DailyTelegraph.com.au tells of one licensee, Cresent Head Tavern’s director Darren Gunn who claims that finding staff to work at his venue in the small mid-north coast town is a battle. He is calling for people as young as 15 years old to be trained to work in the bar to fill staff gaps. He is currently training a number of 15 year olds to work in the restaurant, with food but he is unable to train them to work in the bar because of the state laws. He says once these staff are of legal age they leave the small town to find full time work elsewhere.

    The post goes on to state,

    Brooke Mozeley, 17, who has been working at the Crescent Head Tavern three nights a week and during school holidays since she was 15, said it was frustrating not being able to serve alcohol.

    “People will call out and ask to be served and I have to tell them that I can’t,” she said.

    “It would be easier if we could serve drinks as well.”

    Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/nsw-restaurant-and-catering-association-calls-for-underage-teens-to-be-able-to-serve-alcohol/story-fni0cx12-1226718539061

    Community groups also want laws changed to allow staff of licensed venues to drink on the premise after hours. The Government is due to table its report into the review in December. These are some of the proposed changes for the state’s liquor laws,

    • Venue licences revoked after five violent incidents

    • Lower age of bar staff to at least 16

    • After-work drinks for staff

    • Ban patrons from “stockpiling” drinks

    • “Water bars” and “chill out rooms” at venues

    Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/nsw-restaurant-and-catering-association-calls-for-underage-teens-to-be-able-to-serve-alcohol/story-fni0cx12-1226718539061