Declining alcohol-related violence in popular precinct

A special meeting of more than 400 local stakeholders, licensees, politicians, police and community representatives at the Ivy was recently told alcohol-related violence figures in the area covered by the Accord had dropped 28.7 per cent over 12 months.

The meeting was opened by Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore.

The City North Liquor Accord stretches down from Market Street to the Rocks, and across from Art Gallery Road to King Street Wharf – one of the busiest and most popular weekend entertainment precincts in Australia.

AHA (NSW) CEO Paul Nicolaou said a collaborative focus by licensees, police and Sydney City Council was responsible for the drop in alcohol-related violence.

"This is a perfect example of how, at the local level, police and the local liquor accord can work together on identified issues affecting everyone," he said.

"Local issues require local solutions and we see the results right here in the heart of Sydney – where tens of thousands of people congregate every Friday and Saturday night.

"There has been a real focus here on educating staff and managers who work after midnight as well as those security personnel that are the front line and it's obviously paying off when you see such a huge drop in the figures.

"Educating patrons on taking personal responsibility is another key to success."

Nicolaou said all partners in the accord were working closely together.

"City North Liquor Accord co-ordinator John Franks is to be applauded for bringing stakeholders together to address local challenges," he said.

"Police commander Garry O'Dell and City of Sydney late night co-ordinator Suzie Matthews have also played important roles.

"Effective communication between operators, police and council – all with the same agenda – has seen City North become, statistically, the safest part of the Sydney CBD."
 

Source: Australian Hotels Association NSW