Booze-fuelled violence and antisocial behaviour in Wollongong's CBD is being targeted under a State Government plan to clean up notorious hot spots.Premier Kristina Keneally yesterday launched the "Hassle Free Nights" program, designed to cut alcohol-related violence, provide more late-night transport options and make nights out in busy entertainment precincts more enjoyable.Wollongong has been included in the target list, along with several locations in inner Sydney, Parramatta, Manly and Newcastle.
Bouncers blamed for 12 per cent of pub assaultsWollongong late-night revellers will soon have access to an additional secure taxi rank in Burelli St, near the Grand Hotel, designed to help move pedestrians from the mall area on Friday and Saturday nights.Northern suburbs residents will also benefit from a secure late-night bus service which will operate from Wollongong to Thirroul on Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm to 3am year-round.An official start date for the service has not been revealed, however, it is believed buses will begin just after Easter.A new Precinct Liquor Accord will be created to oversee the scheme and make specific recommendations for Wollongong. Australian Hotels Association (NSW) executive Sally Fielke yesterday welcomed the initiative and said it identified that all stakeholders, including the NSW Police, councils, government agencies and the patrons themselves, had a role to play."(The scheme) focuses on locally tailored solutions and a co-operative approach between licensed premises and all stakeholders," she said. Yesterday's announcement came one day after NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research figures revealed 24 per cent of assaults reported as occurring at a venue actually occurred outside the premises, sometimes at distant locations hours after a person had left the named establishment.Raz Dema, director of the RDL group which owns the Glasshouse Tavern and other inner-city venues, said the figures supported his argument that individuals who caused incidents outside or near a venue may not have been served there, and the licensed premises could not be blamed for their behaviour.The figures also indicated one in eight assaults were initiated by bar or security staff.
