Alcohol shots, bombs Banned
May 11, 2007
Drinks banned to cut anti-social behaviour
Drinkers expected to be upset
Call for booze to be bought for taste, not effect
SHOTS and "bombs" of alcohol will be banned from clubs and pubs in New South Wales's second-biggest city in the latest bid to crack down on drunken louts.
Newcastle Council announced yesterday straight nips of tequila, vodka and other spirits would no longer be served in late-night venues in the CBD.
"Bomb" beverages, where shots of high-alcohol spirits are dropped into a glass of beer or Red Bull, have also been outlawed.
The drastic measure, which has been welcomed by police, comes after a rash of violence and anti-social behaviour, much of which was fuelled by alcohol.
Newcastle Liquor Accord member Rolly de With admitted the move would probably upset drinkers.
He said it was a responsible step by licensees to help reduce the amount of alcohol-induced anti-social behaviour in the CBD.
"Sure, the vast majority act and drink responsibly and they behave. But there is always the minority who screw it up for the majority."
Mr de With said it was time for patrons to shoulder some of the responsibility.
"At the moment the onus is on the licensee to regulate the behaviour of the individual, when really the individual is responsible for their own actions."
Newcastle Council community partnerships manager Melissa Dial said the ban was to ensure people ordered drinks "for taste rather than effect".
"The idea is to go out and have a good night, not to get to a level of intoxication where they can't even enjoy themselves any more," she said.
"We have a high level of intoxication and we need to get that down."
Damn, and I was hoping to do some shots on thursday...
