Illawarra pubs and clubs are the safest they have been since at least 2007, according to data released on Friday.
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The ‘‘Violent Venues’’ list, collated by the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing, once again features zero local venues.
The previous report also featured no Illawarra drinking holes, making this the first occasion since the list’s inception in June 2008 where local venues have escaped attention in two consecutive reports.
The milestone means every venue in the region recorded 11 or fewer violent incidents in the past year.
It is a significant improvement on years past, when the region has had up to five venues on the list of most violent venues, including the former nightclub Glasshouse taking out the unwelcome honour of second-most violent venue in the state in 2009.
Sydney nightclub Ivy again tops the list for most violent incidents, recording 23 in the last 12 months.
Just 13 venues across the state are on the list, after they recorded 12 or more incidents.
It is the shortest list since the recording system began.
Wollongong police crime co-ordinator, Senior Sergeant Lisa Westwood, said police worked closely with venue owners, councils and other stakeholders to address alcohol-fuelled violence.
She said a prime focus was on ‘‘fail to quit’’ rules, where someone refusing to leave a venue could be issued a $550 on-the-spot fine.
‘‘There’s often a correlation between those offences and subsequent violence, so we work closely with licensees to address that,’’ Snr Sgt Westwood said.
‘‘We have high police visibility on weekends and public holidays, and on migration routes like through the Wollongong mall. We’re definitely happy [about the result]. It’s about community safety, and reducing violence is a win for everybody.’’
Venues on the violent list are subject to extra licensing requirements, including strict 1.30am lockouts, heightened security measures, limits on types and numbers of drinks served, and a ban on glass containers after midnight.
Glasshouse: 3 inclusions on the list
The Harp: 4 inclusions
Castros: 3 inclusions
Towradgi Beach Hotel: 1 inclusion
North Gong: 1 inclusion Albion Park Hotel: 1 inclusion
Hotel Illawarra: 2 inclusions
Shellharbour Workers: 2 inclusions
Dapto Hotel: 1 inclusion
Palm Court Hotel Corrimal: 1inclusion
Platform 3: 1 inclusion
Grand Hotel: 1 inclusion