The city’s licencees are presenting a united front, reminding patrons of their collective power to bar patrons from venues across Warrnambool.

The Whalers’ Daryl Porter said Warrnambool Licence Accord members held a meeting ahead of carnival week to discuss their strategy.

“Basically patrons should understand that if they misbehave in one venue it will affect them entering most if not all other licenced venues in the city,” he said.

“We aren’t the judge and jury and whilst we impose no legal action, unless necessary, we don’t want our staff and well-behaved patrons to feel unsafe  in our venues.”

Mr Porter said the group was now looking at a grading system on the severity of bad behaviour and the best method to alert patrons who had been barred collectively by venues.

“Obviously it is up to each venue to have their own policies and procedures with barred patrons. The accord allows us to share stories and information on incidents that then determine what we think is a fair period of time for that person to be barred,” he said.

“Patrons may not realise the accord exists nor the fact that other venues may bar them also on the advice and discussion among accord members.”

The group said the rise in illicit drug use could also lead to erratic and anti-social behaviour and warned 

The group are also aware of the emergence of illicit drugs which can also lead to erratic and at times threatening or unsocial behaviour. Similarly these patrons may feel the same wrath of the accord.

Warrnambool Police Sergeant Kim Wheeler, who chairs the liquor accord meetings said the united front was sending the right message.

“The community need to understand this is not a police directive. It is not a witch hunt,” she said. 

“This is a group of people who care about the well-being of their venues and patrons within those venues and will not tolerate drunken or bad behaviour.”

“This type of negative behaviour can have a severe impact on the community and innocent patrons enjoying their evening.”

Sergeant Wheeler said revellers heading out over May race week could expect a strong polic presence in Warrnambool.