Violence and licensed venues
If you believe that one or more licensed venues are contributing to alcohol-related violence in your community you can do the following:

Step 1:
Approach the Licensees. Usually Licensees are willing to discuss your concerns, to maintain good community relations and avoid complaints, which could lead to fines or conditions being imposed upon their licences. Make a written note of all conversations should you need them for future reference.

For a number of valid reasons, people affected by alcohol-related violence are reluctant to take action by themselves. It is a good idea to talk to people in your community to find out if they are experiencing similar problems and are interested in taking action.

If your attempts to solve the problem with the licensed venue are unsuccessful you have a number of options available to you.

Step 2:
Contact your local Police . The Police are responsible for enforcing liquor laws. Police can deal with complaints about breaches of the liquor laws, such as venues serving alcohol to intoxicated people.

Step 3:
Contact your local government. Local governments administer planning laws which will affect how licensed premises conduct their business. Situations that may contribute to alcohol-related violence, such as overcrowding or serving alcohol to intoxicated people, can be referred to your local council for appropriate action.

Some factors that contribute to community safety will be the responsibility of your local government.

For example:

• Does the landscaping and condition of the area and streets around a licensed venue encourage alcohol-related violence (for example, trees providing places of concealment, litter lying around which can be used as weapons or to damage property)?
• Is there adequate street lighting?
• Is there adequate parking?
• Could local government security services assist in promoting a safer environment?
• Are taxi ranks located in suitable places?