Media Releases

The Baillieu Government has introduced tough legislation into Parliament this month for increased penalties and new laws to deal with drunken, loutish and threatening behaviour.
Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, said the Coalition was delivering on election commitments to give local police and licensees stronger powers to crack down on anti-social behaviour in and around licensed venues.
The proposed amendments will assist police and licensees in deterring obnoxious, alcohol-fuelled behaviour.
The new changes include:
• increasing the on-the-spot fine for drunk and disorderly behaviour from $478 to more than $590 for the first offence, and more than $1,100 for a second or subsequent offence
• increasing the on-the-spot fine for revellers who fail to leave a licensed venue when drunk, violent or quarrelsome from $238.90 to $597.25
• a new offence to deal with drunks hanging around licensed premises after being refused entry or required to leave
• a new offence to deal with those attempting to re-enter a venue within 24 hours of being denied entry or required to leave a venue
• new powers for licensees and police officers to bar troublesome patrons from entering or remaining in a venue for a set period of time.
“The changes in legislation illustrate that antisocial behaviour won’t be tolerated and that people engaged in such behaviour can expect a punishment that will hurt,” Mr Walsh said.
“Under these reforms, police and venue operators will have greater power to deal with people who get themselves drunk and cause trouble on the streets or in licensed venues.
“Under a Baillieu Government, Victoria will have a responsible liquor licensing framework that strengthens laws related to both the prevention of and enforcement of powers to combat alcohol-related harm,” Mr Walsh said.