Violence related to alcohol is increasing especially in the early hours of the morning and near to licensed premises. A recent survey conducted by the Daily Advertiser confirms community concerns.
“CCTV should be introduced to at least some parts of the Wagga Wagga CBD,” Dr McGirr said.
“If cost is an issue perhaps CCTV could be introduced to parts of the CBD such as the taxi rank,” Dr McGirr added.
Dr McGirr also endorsed the “Last Drinks” campaign.
Police, nurses, ambulance officers and doctors have combined forces to form a coalition of concerned emergency services workers to campaign to raise awareness of this significant community problem. The campaign is called the “Last Drinks”.
There are dangers facing emergency services workers who have to deal with violent and intoxicated people. And there are the increased costs of having to provide more staff or take staff away from other duties.
Among a number of measures, the coalition of concerned emergency services workers is proposing
· Reduced opening hours
· A lockout from 1am for all hotels across the state
· Prohibition of the sale of shots, mixed drinks with more than 30 mls of alcohol and ready mixed drinks stronger than five percent alcohol by volume after 10pm
“I have seen at first hand the effects of alcohol causing violence – the personal cost for those involved and the effect on those caring for them,” Dr Joe McGirr said.
Dr McGirr believes that the sale of alcohol in a form that can be too quickly taken in is a significant factor in the problem.
“The situation has only become worse over the years, especially with the sale of shots and drinks where people can very quickly lose control,” he said.
Dr McGirr praised the work of the local Wagga liquor accord which had acted to implement better closing hours and lockout.
“The addition of CCTV and further restrictions on the administration of shots could go a long way to improving the situation concerning alcohol related violence.
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