Illawarra pubs and clubs are setting a shining example of how to manage alcohol-fuelled violence successfully, an industry leader has said.
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Australian Hotels Association (NSW) CEO Paul Nicolaou has applauded the efforts of Illawarra hoteliers to curb anti-social behaviour after a substantial drop in alcohol-related incidents in Illawarra nightspots in recent years.
As of this month, Corrimal's Palm Court Hotel is the only venue in the region to make it onto the State Government's list of most violent pubs.
It is a significant improvement from 2008, when the Glasshouse Tavern and the Harp, North Gong, Ocean Beach and Palm Court hotels featured on the list.
Yesterday Mr Nicolaou said he planned to use Wollongong as an example of "how to get things right" when he worked with hoteliers in other regions to tackle alcohol-related violence.
"Unfortunately some places like Newcastle have got five hotels that are still on [the most violent pubs list], and we're working with them, but Wollongong have really set the example for others to follow," he said.
"All of our members down here have made the effort to beef up their security, trained their staff in the responsible service of alcohol and [shown] their patrons that they don't condone anti-social behaviour."
Newcastle has five venues on the list, including MJ Finnegans and Fanny's of Newcastle, which have recorded the highest and second highest number of alcohol-related incidents in the state.
Mr Nicolaou attributes the region's success to Wollongong's Precinct Liquor Accord, under which several venues trialled stringent restrictions to curb alcohol-related violence early last year.
Restrictions included a blanket 2am lockout and a ban on shots, doubles and purchases of more than four drinks after midnight.
Although the accord had made a significant impact, Mr Nicolaou said the attitudes of Illawarra hoteliers had been the driving force behind the change - something Illawarra sub-branch president Andy Hannelly agrees with.
"We're exceptionally proud of the industry," Mr Hannelly, who also owns Warilla Hotel, said.
"We're working pro-actively with local government, community groups and police ... to engage in a positive [way]."
