We have come a long way since a stretch of Warrnambool's Timor Street was infamously branded 'the Gaza Strip' because of the level of violence and anti-social behaviour during the 1990s and early 2000s.
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Alcohol-fuelled assaults were commonplace as revellers left the city's two late-night clubs. Increased police patrols, the introduction of a supervised taxi rank, lock outs, community campaigns and CCTV cameras reined in the issue and helped make the streets safer.
But the significant steps forward are being eroded with a surge in alcohol-fuelled violence on the streets, not just in Warrnambool, but across the south-west.
Acting Inspector Brett Jackson says people cooped up for months because of coronavirus restrictions are now running around like "cattle that's just escaped from the barn".
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. The damage seems far worse these days and the impacts far greater.
While police understand revellers are keen to let their hair down as pandemic restrictions ease, they are right to jump on this issue. Police will have a greater presence in and around venues and liquor licensing expectations are also being monitored.
But police enforcement is not the only solution. Individuals need to take greater responsibility for themselves and their friends. It's OK to have a few drinks in moderation but with all the education and heightened awareness around coward-punches and violence, individuals can help rein in friends by sending them home safely before that last drink tips them over the edge. We've been down this path before and swift intervention is critical.