The Strathmore hotel owners reveal security bills have doubled in fight against CBD crime

One of the city’s most popular pubs has been forced to double its security bill to combat escalating crime and anti-social behaviour, its leading businessman owner has revealed.

David Basheer, whose family have owned the Strathmore Hotel on North Tce for more than 50 years, said it had been “quite confronting” for his loyal customers and hardworking staff. Picture: Roy Van Der Vegt

One of the city’s most popular pubs has been forced to double its security bill to combat escalating crime and anti-social behaviour, its leading businessman owner has revealed.

Strathmore Hotel publican David Basheer, whose high-profile family has been in hospitality for almost 100 years, said it had been “quite confronting” in recent months for his loyal patrons and dedicated staff.

Speaking publicly for the first time, Mr Basheer, the Australian Hotels Association state president, revealed mounting safety fears had left him with a more than doubled pub security bill.

While his hotel, which his family has owned since 1972, could afford the necessary security boost, he said it wasn’t the case for other smaller businesses struggling with rising costs.

But guards, tasked with protecting his hotel that is considered one of the CBD’s leading venues opposite the Adelaide Railway Station, were assaulted on consecutive days earlier this month.

Mr Basheer, who invested heavily in a pub upgrade just before the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, is speaking publicly on the crisis to encourage people back to the West End.

“The past few months have been quite confronting for everyone,” he said.

“But the message that I have is that we’re really encouraged by the SA Police response now.

“We can see a path forward.”

Mr Basheer, 60, has spoken out as authorities move to quash rising alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour blighting Adelaide’s most popular areas, including around his pub.

A special state government safety body, which has endorsed takeaway alcohol sale restrictions for another six months, acted amid reports of ongoing “big problems”, particularly around the “hotspot” western end of North Tce.

Police are seen interacting with a man outside the Strathmore Hotel on North Terrace. Picture: The Advertiser

While he was diplomatic about the police response, which involves a significant increase in resources and officers to the area, another leading industry figure was scathing in their condemnation of inaction.

“Where we are is probably where we needed to be six, to eight weeks ago,” said the business leader, who declined to be named.

Mr Basheer, who said Police Minister Joe Szakacs had been helpful and accessible, welcomed new efforts to crackdown on crime gripping the area.

He had also engaged in fruitful discussions with senior police, who are investigating widening powers and will flood the area with officers.

He said problems first emerged in late February, and were expected to calm heading into winter, but instead had escalated.

He said the two-storey Strathmore, which is billed as the city’s “best located and iconic pub”, had increased its security “because we’ve wanted to ensure our patrons are safe”.

“Inside our pub it is safe,” he said. “My bar staff and security are trained and have to provide a safe area, through our duty of care and health and safety.

“We can afford it and we’ll be fine. But it is the other businesses nearby that I am worried about, the mum and dad owners who can’t afford to put security up.

“The smaller traders simply can’t do that.”