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Harsher penalties needed for liquor licence breaches
19 October 2010.
The next Victorian Government should crack down on pubs, clubs and bottle shops that breach liquor licensing laws by prosecuting a greater number of licensees and encouraging harsher penalties, AMA Victoria President Dr Harry Hemley said today.
"If we are serious about promoting a culture of responsible drinking, we need to direct our attention to the people who profit from selling alcohol to under 18s and serving drunk patrons," he said.
"Pubs, clubs and bottle shops that do the wrong thing should face suitable deterrents. At the moment, we’ve got a large number of breaches but very few prosecutions."
Dr Hemley said the Victorian Government prosecuted only four licensed premises in the last financial year for failing to serve alcohol responsibly, despite inspectors reporting over 15,200 liquor license breaches.
The most common breaches were for failing to display notices and permits but eight per cent, or 1200 breaches, were for supplying liquor "other than in accordance with the licence".
Dr Hemley said doctors saw the effects of alcohol related harm every day in hospitals and GP clinics but were constrained in their preventive role. "We treat victims of assault, road trauma, accidents, as well as the long term affects of alcohol dependence on the body. It is particularly distressing to see the effect alcohol abuse on whole families.
"Doctors play an important role in promoting responsible drinking among patients, but our messages only go so far. We need the licensees to play their part in promoting responsible alcohol consumption too."
Dr Hemley said studies have shown alcohol related violence most commonly occurred in and around inner-city hotels in the early stages of Saturday and Sunday mornings.
"We need to send a very clear message to licensees that the sale of alcohol to intoxicated patrons is unacceptable and will be met with serious consequences.
"The Brumby Government and Liberal/National Coalition need to commit to stronger penalties for alcohol licence breaches in the lead up to the 27 November election."
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