Newcastle Alcohol-related Violence Much Higher than State Averages

Friday February 27, 2009

Newcastle has just been given evidence that alcohol-related violence is nearly double that of the average in New South Wales.

The Department of Liquor, Gaming and Racing reports show that Newcastle is high in every aspect of violence under the influence of alcohol.

Domestic violence resulting from alcohol consumption is at a disturbing 31 per cent above the average and non-domestic violence is more than 50 per cent above the state average, as well as assaults that take place in licensed premises across Newcastle.

In addition, the amount of drink driver's caught in Newcastle is 65 per cent higher per capita than the stage average.

The Hunter Region of which Newcastle is located within has more licensed venues per capita than NSW's average. The figures also show that 60 per cent of hotels in the Newcastle region have extended hours.

Newcastle Coalition of Inner City Residents Groups spokesman Tony Brown told the Newcastle Herald that there is "conclusive evidence of Newcastle's problem with grog and the ongoing primary failure of hotels to comply with strict responsible service of alcohol requirements".

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