A greater police presence is required to quell Melbourne’s growing street violence following a weekend of violence and the conclusion of the 2 am lock-out, says the Hotel, Motel and Accommodation Association (Vic).

“The most basic of all government responsibilities is to enforce law and order to ensure the safety and property of citizens going about their business”, says HMAA Chair Ricardo Krauskopf.

“It is integral for the safety of residents and visitors that the several square miles of our capital city’s CBD is effectively patrolled by police and new measures are undertaken to clean up the violence plaguing our city, including:

• a TAC type education campaign against alcohol abuse, violence and aggression
• greater police numbers – data recently obtained under Freedom of Information indicate that less than three per cent of Victoria’s police stations have received extra officers in the past year
• tougher penalties for those engaging in violence and drunken behavior
• stronger enforcement of liquor licensing laws in major venues
• more careful planning and issuing of future liquor licenses to current violence ‘hot spots’
• increased number of after midnight public transport services to get patrons home quickly
• marshals outside key taxi ranks and major venues to get revellers into taxi’s quickly and effectively
• better management of people drinking and smoking outside venues to avoid passers-by becoming entangled with venue patrons on sidewalks. 

“The 2 am lock-out was a blunt instrument that affected the vibrancy of Melbourne’s bar culture and status as an international city – the focus should be on enforcing existing laws.

“Immediate action is required to ensure Melbourne is a safe city for locals, tourists and business travelers, or the flow-on effects for the accommodation, tourism, retail and hospitality sector will be dire”, says Mr Krauskopf.

More information:                                                       
Megan Cox – Communications Advisor
Ph: 0423 883 945