Liquor boss says young drinkers need to learn how to behave in pubs and clubs

The state’s liquor and gaming boss has asked authorities to ramp up police school visits so young people can learn how to behave in pubs and clubs when they turn 18.

The state’s liquor and gaming boss has asked authorities to ramp up police school visits so young people can learn how to behave when they turn 18 and hit pubs and bars.

NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority chairman Philip Crawford has spoken to police about the visits following a sharp spike in the number of people being banned from city venues because of assault, sexual offences or theft.

He said young people are struggling to behave themselves following two years of lockdown, having never been to a licensed premises before.

“I’ve spoken to police about reinstituting the training where police visit schools and they talk about what the rules are,” Mr Crawford said. “They answer questions from the kids so that they are prepared for coming into the real world.

“Police have given us feedback that sometimes they have problems with kids who’ve never been to licensed premises and clearly haven’t had any training on what to do and how to behave.”

Alannah King (left) and Avril Clutterbuck enjoy a civilised drink at Woolly Bay Hotel in Woolloomooloo. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The Saturday Telegraph can reveal more than 91 offenders have this year been banned from entering 190 venues in the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross for up to 12 months under the NSW government’s Long-Term Banning Orders scheme.

The city is on track to exceed the number of LTBOs issued in 2019 (148) before the pandemic. The bans have been imposed for offences including physical and sexual assaults following criminal charges laid by NSW Police.

Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority chairman Philip Crawford.

Youth psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg said when young people were in lockdown they did not get the same socialisation experience or rites of passage.

“As a result they’ve had almost two years of social isolation that they’ve missed out on,” he said. “It’s great for police to be coming into the schools and reminding people the appropriate types of behaviour.

“We are seeing a spike in these ­acting-out behaviours as adolescents have not had the opportunity to ­participate in normal developmental tasks as young people normally would.”

A 22-year-old man was handed a 12-month ban after being charged with a string of offences, including ­assault and shoplifting, after an incident outside an Oxford St venue.

He was removed because he was drunk and then tried to steal items from a nearby tobacconist before being restrained by security guards and then resisting arrest.

In February, a 20-year-old man was banned after being charged with assault after he was involved in a fight with other patrons at a George St hotel and assaulted staff and security guards when being removed.

AHA NSW director of liquor and policing John Green welcomed the actions taken by ILGA and NSW Police to target criminals.

“As people start coming back to venues in the CBD and Kings Cross it’s important they feel safe,” Mr Green said.

“Increased banning orders actually mean that the city is becoming a safer place with a clear message being sent that if you come into Kings Cross and the CBD and commit crimes, you will be banned.”

Breaching an order is a serious ­offence attracting a maximum fine of $11,000. Orders can also be imposed on venue licensees, managers and staff. Those found not guilty of offences can apply to have the bans removed.

Corporate Sponsor for Alcohol-related Crime, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, said youth education programs remain an important part of harm minimisation strategies.

“The NSW Police Force has a longstanding partnership with NSW Department of Education to provide programs and initiatives to help young people make good decisions in all aspects of their lives,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.

“When it comes to alcohol, there’s a fine line between use and abuse, which increases the potential risk of becoming a victim of crime or an offender.

“For many years, police have been engaging with young people about safe drinking, focusing on personal responsibility, along with the related social and health issues.

“During the pandemic, our Youth Engagement Officers have been working diligently, albeit predominantly remotely, so we are excited to be back in schools delivering these programs face-to-face.”

Pub baron Craig Laundy recently reopened the Woolly Bay Hotel at Woolloomooloo.

“We changed it from a venue with a dancefloor to a food-based offering that has attracted more gentrified ­clientele,” he said.

“Anything that helps Philip Crawford and his team do the job is welcomed by us.”

Woolly Bay Hotel customers Alannah King and Avril Clutterbuck both welcomed the venue’s change of scene.

“The crowds still have not come back from pre-Covid levels but things are improving,” Ms King said.

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