Drunks Face Hard Times in Victoria

Added by Monique Robinson on March 1, 2011

A new law banning drunken behaviour will give pubs and clubs in Victoria the right to rid themselves of drunken troublemakers.

The new law, which was introduced into parliament on Tuesday, will ban patrons “exhibiting obnoxious, alcohol-fuelled” behaviour from licensed premises as well as from the area surrounding the premise.

As such, current bans on drunks that exist in only some areas will be extended to cover all venues across the state of Victoria, Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O’Brien said. He added: “This is the sort of measure that they need to better control what happens in the licensed venues and what happens on the streets afterwards.”

Police or venue managers will under the new law be able to prevent drunken patrons to re-enter the venue for up to 24 hours after being thrown out, or else ban the patron from the venue for up to six months.

In addition, on-the-spot fines for drinkers who fail to leave a premise or whose behaviour is obstructing have increased 150 percent, to $597.25.

“This is the sort of strong approach to law and order that we think the Victorian public demands,” O’Brien said.

In exceptional circumstances, patrons affected by the new law can apply to have their case reviewed by the Director of Liquor Licensing.