POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NEW SOUTH WALES
PO Box A1097, Sydney South, NSW 1232
PHONE: (02) 9265 6777
FAX: (02) 9265 6789
EAGLENET 57071
14 December 2009
Police call for pub trading hour restrictions to curb violence
Frontline police are calling on the new Premier to curb alcohol related assaults by
reducing pub trading hours across the state.
Two police ended up in hospital over the weekend after they were attacked in
alcohol fuelled incidents.
Police Association of NSW Vice President Scott Weber said evidence in
Newcastle, where alcohol restrictions are already in place, highlights the need for
similar initiatives to be introduced state-wide.
The recently released statistics show that the number of assaults occurring after
dark in Newcastle has been slashed by 29 per cent since a suite of alcohol trading
restrictions were introduced.
“Thousands of police are assaulted each year by drunken idiots,” Mr Weber said.
“Even over the weekend we saw two officers end up in hospital after they were
attacked while they were on duty.
“It’s got to the point where resources are being drained because so many officers
are forced to take time out to recover from injuries caused by alcohol related
assaults. It puts strain on every facet of the Force.
The measures in place in Newcastle include lock-outs, compulsory closing times
and restrictions on the sale of spirits after 10pm.
“The figures in Newcastle prove beyond doubt that this works.
“Now is the perfect time for the new Premier to stamp her authority and put a
stop to the senseless violence that is taking place on our streets every night.
“Innocent men and women – both police and members of the public - are being
senselessly beaten every single day. Something needs to be done about,” Mr
Weber said.
“Alcohol fuelled violence has unfortunately become a part of the average
working day for cops on the frontline.
“The solutions are there, all we need is for the politicians to stand up and take the
safety of our police and communities seriously.”
Media contact:
Scott Weber 0401 709 342
Alana Mew, 0423 377 567
NEWS 
