Warrnambool police take a stand against alcohol-fuelled violence

Warrnambool police Acting Inspector Brett Jackson said the easing of coronavirus restrictions, combined with an influx of visitors, had seen police being called to a number of violent and anti-social incidents.

He said intoxicated people were being found unconscious and groups were brawling in the middle of the street.

A 25-year-old male suffered bleeding on the brain and a facial facture following an alleged alcohol-fuelled assault at Port Fairy's Vic Hotel over the Queen's Birthday long weekend.

The incident occurred just days after two men were banned from licensed premises after pleading guilty in Warrnambool Magistrates Court to separate offending involving assaults at Warrnambool's Seanchai Bar and Portland's Bacchus Bar.

Earlier this year, The Standard reported a 20 per cent jump in assaults at south-west licensed venues

Acting Inspector Jackson said while alcohol-fuelled violence was not new, he believed the environment had changed.

He said people had been cooped up inside for months due to coronavirus restrictions and were running around like "cattle that's just escaped from the barn".

"With the increased patronage to the area comes the potential for an escalation in alcohol and public order-related issues in and around licenced premises," the acting inspector said.

"We know excessive drinking can lead to serious consequences, including violent crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Too often police see the negative impacts that over-supply and excessive consumption of alcohol has, including the devastating consequences of street assaults, road trauma and family violence."

Acting Inspector Jackson said police had increased their focus and dedicated police resources to ensuring public safety in the Warrnambool entertainment precinct.

"The public should expect to see more uniform police and police enforcement activity as part of this ongoing community safety focus," he said.

"Police will monitor the build-up of patrons around pubs and bars, monitor the responsible service of alcohol and assist venue staff and security with unruly and intoxicated persons."

Punters can also expect to see plain-clothed and uniform members flood south-west licensed premises, the acting inspector said.

He said there would be a lot of accountability on licensees, as well as those attending the venues.

A spokeswoman for Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation said two dedicated teams conducted liquor and gambling inspections and audits across regional Victoria, including the south-west.

"The focus of these inspections is to ensure venues operators and their staff understand their licence conditions and comply with their gaming and liquor licensing obligations so that safe and responsible environments are maintained," she said.

"Licensees are working hard to ensure they are complying with their obligations whilst also juggling COVID-19 requirements."

The spokeswoman said VCGLR worked closely with business owners, police, local councils and other agencies including the Western Regional Drug and Alcohol Centre (WRAD).

"We continue to remind licence holders about the responsible service of alcohol and how it's best practice for all staff serving alcohol to have a valid Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate. This is to ensure staff have the necessary skills and training to refuse service to intoxicated patrons and ensure everyone stays safe." she said.

"We continue to analyse the available data to determine the impact, if any, of COVID-19 restrictions on alcohol-related harms within our Victorian communities."

Warrnambool police Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Merry said Warrnambool police met regularly with local venue operators and licensees to discuss improved partnerships and police operations.

"Police take immediate action when any breaches of the liquor control reform act or criminal activity is identified," he said.

"Police have a strong and sustained focus on ensuring Warrnambool's entertainment precincts are safe areas for the community to enjoy themselves. This involves members of the local Liquor Accord along with a sophisticated CCTV network, a supervised taxi rank and a banning scheme for difficult patrons."

Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Merry said police conducted regular and thorough compliance operations to ensure venues were providing safe environments for patrons and staff.

"Warrnambool has a vibrant nightlife and we want people to enjoy all our regional city has to offer," he said.

"The majority of people who go out and have fun do the right thing. However there are a small number of people who cause trouble and we will continue to respond swiftly to any antic-social or criminal behaviour."

WRAD director Geoff Soma said alcohol was the most problematic drug identified by clients.

"Some people seem to have relied on alcohol, prescription medication and a range of substances throughout the COVID period," he said.

"The sooner people seek treatment the better the outcomes and treatment works."

Mr Soma said the use of alcohol and other drugs had strong links to homelessness, psychological distress, domestic violence and mental health.

"Clients often need considerable input from counsellors including psychosocial support and linking to a range of health professionals," he said.

If you need help, contact WRAD on 1300 009 723 to discuss steps to recovery.

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