The Ivy ranked top of NSW violent venues list
New data has suggested NSW’s bars and clubs are more safe than ever, but the latest list of Sydney and the state’s most violent venues features a few familiar names.
New data suggests alcohol-related violence at Sydney venues is on the decline, as several bars and pubs were scratched off the list of NSW’s most violent drinking holes.
However, The Ivy on George St in Sydney’s CBD has claimed the unwanted honour of top spot on the latest roll call released by Liquor and Gaming NSW.
There were 16 incidents recorded at the famous nightclub in the 12 months to May 2019.
Although that represented two less occasions of violence than revealed in the previous report in November, the Merivale hotspot jumped from third to first this year.
With 2.5 million patrons per year The Ivy is the most visited venue in NSW, according to Merivale, which has said it has a “zero tolerance” to violence and bad behaviour.
In The Rocks, The Argyle recorded 12 incidents — the equal third highest in NSW.
That was a dramatic drop from the 25 incidents at the same venue in the 12 months to November 2018, which was the most of any in the state.
Only venues that record 12 or more violent incidents are included on the half-yearly list.
Coffs Harbour’s The Coast Hotel (13), the Belmore Hotel in Maitland, the Ivanhoe Hotel in Manly and Penrith Panthers Leagues Club (all 12) rounded out the inclusions.
For only the second time since 2008, there were no venues in NSW with enough violent incidents to be considered in the “level one” category — a spot reserved for pubs and clubs with 18 or more reports.
And nine venues, including Bondi’s Beach Rd Hotel and Manly’s Sugar Lounge, have been left off the latest list altogether.
Liquor and Gaming NSW deputy secretary Paul Newson said that could be attributed to strong action from the State Government, and venues realising violence was “bad for business”.
“These results indicate our state’s licensed venues are now safer than they’ve ever been,” he said.
“It’s great news that people can enjoy night outs with far lower risk of alcohol-related violence.
“This continuing decline and the removal of nine venues from the latest list show this longer-term trend is continuing.”
Data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has revealed alcohol-related non-domestic assaults in NSW has been dropping at about seven per cent per annum.
Sydney’s controversial lockout laws have been credited with a 13 per cent reduction in violence in the CBD, and 49 per cent drop in Kings Cross, between 2014 and 2017.
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