For many people the idea of a New Years without alcohol may seem incomprehensible but this may be what Maitland residents are in for from 9:30pm. A new push may see New Year’s Eve revellers cut off much earlier than usual to avoid alcohol fuelled incidents.

Maitland’s famous riverfront celebration could call last round at 9:30 pm instead of midnight under a staff plan to curb the anti-social behaviour that seems to peak around midnight. The celebration draws around 10,000 revellers each year and is one of Hunter’s last all ages events which allows alcohol.

According to Maitland City Council events manager, Adam Franks, stopping the alcohol at 9:30 would help avoid many of the alcohol fuelled incidents that seem to be so prevalent after the fireworks, especially those involving adolescents.

During the last celebration Mr Franks advised that police and security dealt with nine different incidents between 9.30pm and midnight. These incidents resulted in a number of charges and fines.Franks also explained a ‘‘distinct change in the atmosphere’’ after the earlier fireworks as key to making the change.

The matter will go before councillors before a decision is made.  Read what this post on www.theherald.com.au reported about the issue:

‘‘From this time staff, security and police spent a large portion of their time identifying and responding to incidents, primarily involving adolescents,’’ Mr Franks wrote in his report.

‘‘The purpose of lifting the alcohol-free zone was to allow families to come along, enjoy a picnic and for parents to be able to have a glass of beer or wine to welcome in the new year.’’

Mr Franks advised councillors that police and security dealt with nine incidents between 9.30pm and midnight ‘‘which resulted in a number of charges and fines’’.

Police have indicated they support the changes, Mr Franks wrote.

Mayor Peter Blackmore said the council had given revellers the benefit of the doubt against previous requests from police to limit the alcohol window.

But he said a small number of revellers had put pressure on organisers to make changes.

‘‘It’s extremely disappointing that it’s come to this [but] we tried to rely on the patrons that were attending to do the right thing,’’ Cr Blackmore said. ‘‘You have to be responsible and we have to show responsibility as a council.’’

Cr Philip Penfold said he believed the limits were a step towards a ‘‘nanny state’’ and would penalise the majority unfairly.

‘‘From what I have seen we are the only council-run event that has not bowed down to calls for excessive restrictions and I’d be sad to see us go that way,’’ Cr Penfold said.

Source: http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1447239/poll-maitland-considers-nye-alcohol-ban/?cs=12

Workers at festivals and events of this nature need to be aware of how they serve alcohol to patrons. Because these volunteers are most often not in possession of their Responsible Service of Alcohol certificates the likelihood of them breaking RSA laws is substantial.

While volunteers at festivals are not required to undergo formal Responsible Service of Alcohol training (like staff of licenced venues have to), they still have a responsibility to serve alcohol moderately and avoid serving anyone who is unduly intoxicated.