Lockout Lifted For Some Venues

Local News, By Christian Taylor, 25th November, 2009

This December 1 is not only World AIDS Day, but it’s also the day new venue lockout measures come into effect in NSW.

In September the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) released their ranked list of assaults on licensed premises from July 2008 to June 2009. The list, which has since been revised, lists Stonewall Hotel as one of the state’s most violent venues, with 21 recorded assaults. The Columbian is eighth with 20. These two venues have now been placed on Level 1 restrictions, which means a 2am lockout, no glass after midnight, a ten minute time out at the bar after midnight and no alcohol sales 30 minutes before close. These are the only two gay Sydney venues subject to a lockout.

Other gay venues further down the list are The Exchange Hotel, which includes Phoenix, with 13 assaults and Castro’s in Wollongong with 16 assaults. These two venues are on Level 2 restrictions, which means no glass after midnight, ten minute bar time outs after midnight, and no alcohol sales 30 minutes before close.

The Exchange Hotel, Arq, The Oxford and Home Nightclub were subject to the lockout, but after December 1 they are no longer.

Your Thoughts

Phazz

said on the 26th Nov, 2009

Why anyone would pay $25 to get into Havana, i'll never know.

gnosis

said on the 26th Nov, 2009

Next fagtag at Havana? It sounds awful but the amount of assaults that would be reported there on one night would be enough to push it into the lockout category.

Christian Taylor

said on the 26th Nov, 2009

eek. sorry folks, you're right. my mistake! i must have had the venue confused with another one and should have checked. [URL="http://www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/pages/bocsar_pub_utoz#violence"]you can see the full list here. it's called "Top 100 ranked licensed premises for Assaults - July 2008 to June 2009" it really does make you wonder, how on earth does stonewall statistically get more assaults than havana? something is very wrong somewhere with that list... sorry for the bum steer everyone!

cpatine

said on the 26th Nov, 2009

Again, check the data...The Gaff Restaurant, Bar and Nightclub HAVE been added to the list of venues with lockout. 22 assaults in the 12 month period leading it to be ranked tenth.

Stevie Boy

said on the 26th Nov, 2009

Wrong again. The list of assaults that you guys are looking at was not the 'final say'. The Government allowed the venues to have a meeting with Police to discuss the assaults recorded and thereby were provided with an opportunity to avoid receiving a higher classification. Obviously the Gaff was (unfortunately) successful in this process and despite having over 19 assaults only received a level 2 classification meaning they only have to serve plastic cups after midnight, provide food/water after midnight and stop serving drinks a half hour before close. Christian's article was wrong in stating that level 2 venues would have drink restrictions such as no shots etc. Here is a better source for you all to look at with the CORRECT information - http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/alcohol_restrictions_for_violent_venues.asp This is the accurate list of actual venues and what restrictions they WILL be placed under - http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/News/news_pdfs/Level%201%20and%202.pdf

Christian Taylor

said on the 26th Nov, 2009

thanks for pointing this out stevie boy - i hadn't seen this revised list! it's different to the one that's being put forward by BOSCAR currently... i've edited the story now. thanks for clearing this up for us.

Stevie Boy

said on the 26th Nov, 2009

No problem. I know the fact that the Government keeps changing things makes it somewhat confusing. I still can't believe that only 3 venues in the inner city will have lockouts imposed (and one of them being T2 which is closed). When I think about all those dodgy venues on Oxford Street and in Kings Cross that cause so many problems... and yet they get away with it

crazzymikey

said on the 26th Nov, 2009

I applaud Stonewalls stance on continuing to report honestly on assualts and incidents and not simply sweep them under the carpet or deal with them behind closed doors, but to what length and detriment to thier patrons im unsure. Its hardly a fair system but when are they ever? perhaps they need to get people to report the attacks at havana when due instead

Phazz

said on the 26th Nov, 2009

Maybe we need to ruin havana's reputation and it'll lose it's clientel.

Matt22

said on the 27th Nov, 2009

Havana is not subject to the lock out. Get your facts right. THEY SHOULD BE!

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