The level of alcohol fuelled violence in Sydney has certainly gotten to a dangerous extent but are the new laws implemented by the government warranted? That is the question many are asking themselves. As servers in the hospitality industry it is important that we keep abreast with any new laws and news relating to alcohol and the consequences of its misuse.
One of the measures to be introduced is a mandatory eight year jail sentence for fatal one-punch attacks fuelled by alcohol or drugs in an effort to curb alcohol related violence in Sydney.
The “one-punch” law has been announced recently by NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell as well as other measures include expanded Sydney CBD lockout zones, a freeze on issuing of liquor licences and the state-wide closure of bottle shops at 10:00pm. Also the sentences for serious assaults fuelled by alcohol have been increased by 2 years.
The following excerpt explains more about the new measures from Mr O’Farrell:
“It is no longer acceptable to go out and drink yourself stupid, take illicit substances, start fights, ‘coward punch’ people or engage in other assaults thinking you [will] get away with it,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“From the point the legislation is passed, those days are over.”
The state Opposition says the laws aren’t enough to warrant positive change but families of victims of alcohol fuelled violence, including the parents of Thomas Kelly who died in Kings Cross in 2012, say they are pleased with the measures. Thomas Kelly’s father had this to say about the measures:
Mandatory is the key word here. The judge has no choice now. It’s welcome news,” Kelly’s father Ralph said.
“It’s bittersweet to know that the reform will come in shortly, but it’s also still terrible for us as a family,” Mr Kelly said.
“It’s sad we had to bring in this change and that our community has to have these laws but if that’s the only way we can… make cultural change and social change and stop thugs from hitting people, then so be it.”
One of the new measures is an expanded lockout zone which now stretches from Kings Cross to Darling Harbour. This means that there will be a mandatory lockout at 1:30am for all licensed premises across an expanded Sydney CBD entertainment precinct.
Also there will be no drinks served after 3:00am even if the premises remains opened. The only venues exempt from these new laws are small bars (less than 60 patrons), casinos, restaurants and tourist accommodation facilities.
If you work in a venue that falls within the boundaries of the new measures, here are a list of them to help you keep track:
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Eight-year minimum sentencing for alcohol or drug-fuelled assaults ending in death.
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Serious assault maximum penalty increased by two years, with mandatory minimum sentences.
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On the spot fines for disorderly behaviour increased from $200 to $1,100.
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Police have powers to immediately ban ‘troublemakers’ from CBD/Kings Cross.
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Penalty for possession of steroids increased from two to 25 years.
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CBD/Kings Cross venues to have 1:30am lockouts with drinks stopping at 3:00am.
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Bottle shops across NSW to close at 10:00pm.