Violence at north west pubs and clubs has dropped to a six-year low but there is concern about sky-rocketing drug use in the community.
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Australian Hotels Association (AHA) NSW director of liquor and policing, John Green, said no figures were available on actual drug use in licensed premises but he highlighted worrying data from NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research. Bureau figures list a 690 per cent rise in use and possession of amphetamines in Tamworth and surrounding areas, which include Gunnedah, since 2008. During the same period, NSW hospitalisations due to illicit drug use increased 657 per cent.
Mr Green stressed AHA representatives had a “zero tolerance policy” toward illegal drug use at their venues.
The state director met with Tamworth and Gunnedah publicans on Tuesday to also discuss the good news – a 52.3 per cent drop in violence at licensed Tamworth venues since 2010, the lowest level in 16 years.
“This is a great result for the Tamworth community and demonstrates what can be achieved when stakeholders work together at the local level to address issues,” Mr Green said.
“We have seen a consistent reduction in hotel assaults in the district over several years now and this has come from initiatives driven by the Tamworth Liquor Accord, the local police as well as patrons taking responsibility for their actions.
“It’s important to note these reductions have been achieved not by draconian measures being imposed, but through hoteliers working collaboratively with police and communities.”
Also on the agenda was a review of take-away trading hours which Gunnedah hoteliers hope to extend past the current 10pm curfew.
Mr Green said the Gunnedah consensus supported a recommendation to State Government to reinstate at least one of the two hours of trade which take-away sales had lost.
The recommendation suggested trading be extended to 11pm but local business were hopeful for more.
“They were concerned about being drawn into metropolitan issues,” Mr Green said. “Especially with daylight saving coming up.
“There was recognition people outside the city don’t work by the clock, they work by the sun.”
A review of minors involved in alcohol-related offences at licensed venues was another talking point for the Gunnedah representatives.
The matter will be discussed further at the scheduled November meeting of the Gunnedah and District Liquor Accord.