9/11/01
The State Government has today announced a new policy to tighten security in nightclubs.
Racing and Gaming Minister Nick Griffiths said today that after consultation with the police and representatives of the nightclub and hotel industry, the Director of Liquor Licensing had released a new policy on security in licensed premises.
"The policy will require licence holders to meet a minimum security standard in nightclubs and hotels where it is deemed necessary," Mr Griffiths said.
"The new conditions will be effective from January 1, 2002."
Mr Griffiths said the new policy would require the owners of cabaret licences and hotels that traded beyond 1am to install a video surveillance system where the Director of Liquor Licensing considered it necessary. The images recorded via the system would need to be retained for at least 14 days.
"Labor is seriously concerned about violence in and around nightclubs," the Minister said.
"The recent assaults are putting the lives and safety of nightclub and hotel patrons at risk.
"People should be able to expect a reasonable level of safety on their Friday and Saturday nights out. A video surveillance system will help deter offenders and help equip the police with the evidence they need to capture those people who commit the acts of violence we have witnessed recently.
"A reference group has been established to develop specifications and procedures for video surveillance systems. The reference group will also consider the use of metal detection equipment.
"Licence holders will have until March 1, 2002 to put in place the video surveillance system, three months after the policy takes effect."
Mr Griffiths said the policy allowed for those licence holders who did not believe the nature of their business warranted the introduction of the conditions specified in the policy to present their case to the Director of Liquor Licensing for an exemption.
"The implementation of this policy needs to be reasonable and to target those premises that are perceived to be at risk or have a record of violent behaviour," he said.
"We do not want the policy to place an unnecessary burden on businesses and put jobs at risk. For that reason the policy includes the ability for licence holders to apply for exemption."
Mr Griffiths said a breach of these conditions could result in disciplinary proceedings with the possibility of fines or suspension of the licence.
The policy was developed by a working party established in June of this year. Its aim was to develop a policy on the minimum standard of security at licensed premises.
The working party comprised representatives of the Cabaret Owners' Association, the Australian Hotels Association (WA Branch), the Crowd Control Industry Association and the Western Australian Police Service.
Media contact: Melissa Robinson 9222 8950 (w)
