Summit fails to deliver alcohol violence fix
Posted
A summit has failed to come up with any firm resolutions on tackling alcohol related violence in Melbourne's CBD.
Club operators, police and state government representatives attended the talks organised by the Melbourne City Council.
Ideas raised included more night buses, improved lighting and security at transport hubs, and the development of a city-wide strategic entertainment plan.
But the head of Liquor Licensing Australia, Sue McClellan, says an earlier, more controversial initiative was not on the table.
"The 2:00am lockout is being evaluated, and it will be examined after the evaluation," she said.
Ms McClellan also says she supports the trial ban at three clubs on serving rounds of drinks after 1:00am, but will not be forcing other clubs to adopt it.
"Three venues decided to initiate it through the accord process, which they are perfectly entitled to do," she said.
"It's voluntary, it's not compulsory, and I applaud them for taking the initiative to address the responsible serving in their venues."
The Lord Mayor, John So, says there are clear difficulties in solving the problem
"Today we have acknowledged that there is no single solution to the problems facing our city late at night," he said.
A full report is being prepared on today's talks.
