NSW Hospitality Minister George Souris and police are to be applauded for their work in reducing violent crimes at pubs and clubs across the state.
There are already encouraging results, with 10 licensed venues – including Maitland’s Belmore Hotel – to be removed from the violent venues list from
tomorrow.
The government’s “three strikes” disciplinary scheme had provided unprecedented motivation for
all licensed venues to lift their games or risk the ultimate sanction – loss of licence.
And Mr Souris is correct when he says licensees need to ensure their premises operate responsibly and
safely.
Belmore Hotel licensee Josh Murphy told the Mercury that he and his brothers, Luke and Nick, had worked hard to get the hotel off the list.
The brothers changed trading hours and put a heavy focus on food and entertainment to rebrand the hotel and rid it of antisocial behaviour.
Their efforts have been rewarded, with no Maitland hotel or club appearing on the government’s violent
venues list from tomorrow.
This is great news for those who want to catch up with family or friends in central Maitland for a meal and a few drinks at their local watering hole.
They will be able to do so knowing that anitsocial behaviour is not tolerated and that responsible service of alcohol is a high priority.