Police Association of Tasmania wants the State Government to review licensing laws for waterfront venues

A dramatic drop in assaults at waterfront pubs and clubs during the COVID-19 lockdown has sparked a call for “an urgent review” to see opening hours at some venues scaled back to 2am.

A REVIEW of licensing laws is urgently needed for Hobart waterfront businesses operating after midnight, the state’s police association says.

Association President Colin Riley said current COVID-19 restrictions had highlighted the impact of excessive late-hour alcohol consumption, saying there had been a “massive reduction” in assaults in recent weeks.

TALKING POINT: KEEP VIOLENT DRUNKS OFF THE RADAR

Mr Riley said the State Government had a unique opportunity to constructively impact public safety, particularly for young adults, by reducing out-of-hours permits.

He said Licensing Commission inspectors did not work in the hours when out-of-hours permits for venues were in operation, and said a reduction of permits would ultimately prevent alcohol-related waterfront violence.

“Venue owners have indicated to our members that there is very little income generated after 2am — they are only open ‘because everyone else is’,” he said.

“We are not asking for a blanket withdrawal of permits, but an urgent review of the need for venues to remain open to 4am or 5am.”

Police Association of Tasmania President Colin Riley. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Mr Riley said public place assaults involving alcohol or drugs reported to police had reduced by 89 per cent in the past 30 days of COVID-19 restrictions compared with the same period a year prior.

Issue of liquor infringement notices had reduced 87 per cent, and public order incidents were down by 49 per cent, Mr Riley said.

“Members of the public are not being subject to violence to the same extent, or abuse, assault and self-inflicted injury, and Tasmania police officers aren’t being assaulted having to intervene in these matters,” he said.

“Hospitals and ambulances aren’t treating victims’ injuries. Businesses are not having to clean their shop fronts of urine, vomit and repair damage — most of which goes unreported.”

MORE NEWS:

BAR OWNER’S CALL: ‘LET THE LOCALS COME OUT’

CAN WE FINALLY HUG OUR LOVED ONES AGAIN?

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION: PM’S PLAN TO CREATE JOBS

Mr Riley said the association wanted to see out-of-hours permits reduced and aligned to Licensing Commission inspectors’ working hours.

“Alternatively, change inspectors’ working hours to cover the permit hours until 4am or 5am so they then have first-hand knowledge of what is occurring and be directly accountable,” he said.

The calls come after two deaths at the waterfront in recent months raised questions about safety hazards at the wharf, with the idea of further safety measures suggested.