LAST DRINKS: Council is pushing for a Newcastle model on late night pub trade and alcohol choice.
LATE night hotel trading and unrestricted alcohol choices could be a thing of the past for Orange pub-goers if a move to follow in the footsteps of Newcastle to crackdown on antisocial behaviour in the central business district takes off.
Orange councillors unanimously supported a push from outgoing councillor Gavin Priestley for council to review the success of the Newcastle model and consider adopting a similar approach with tougher restrictions on alcohol consumption.
Alcohol-related assaults reduced by 37 per cent in Newcastle a year after it introduced measures including 3am closing and 1am lockouts in 2008.
A similar scheme was suggested for Sydney following the death of teenager Thomas Kelly in Kings Cross earlier this year.
“[Newcastle] initially had some problems with the liquor industry,” Cr Priestley said.
“I’m not saying it’s necessarily the right plan for Orange but we should be talking to people like the council and the emergency services ... and getting a case together.”
Cr Neil Jones said a solution for antisocial behaviour came down to placing realistic restrictions on alcohol.
“We’re coming into the silly season once again,” he said.
“I think it’s very important council takes a proactive role.”
Cr Glenn Taylor said council had considered the Newcastle model before but it was worthwhile revisiting.
“A lot of the initiatives that work in Newcastle have been implemented by the liquor accord and the good work of Bill Kelly,” he said.
“This city is a vastly different city overnight to what it was 10 to 15 years ago .”
Cr Jason Hamling said he hoped the Newcastle model addressed the issue of takeaway alcohol which was becoming a problem for Orange.
clare.colley@ruralpress.com