The New South Wales government has just worked out what Melbourne realised last year: 2 am pub and club lockouts don’t reduce alcohol-related violence.
So they’ve scrapped the plan they brought in four months ago, and are hoping to introduce a “safety star rating system” instead. It will see each venue given a star rating so the public could make more informed choices. Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Greene will present a discussion paper to cabinet next week. From there it’ll be debated within the government before receiving comments from the hotel industry and concerned members of the public.
Honestly I’m not sure this solution is going to help curb the violence, but it will probably make sure that people like myself don’t get stuck in the middle of it!
Image source: Orin Optiglot @ Flickr