Drink safe precinct more fun

STATISTICS released at the weekend show the Surfers Paradise “Drink Safe Precinct” making a night on the tourist town more enjoyable according to Queensland Deputy Premier Paul Lucas.

Mr Lucas said the results showed that for the first six months of operation, the extra police presence has had a major impact, with 1044 people arrested, 386 people moved on and nine people banned from the precinct.

“That’s more than 1400 people doing the wrong thing who have been dealt with,” Mr Lucas said.

“I have adult children who enjoy a night on the town like the 30,000 people who visit Surfers Paradise on a Friday and Saturday night.

“We are serious about cracking down on violence, crime and anti-social behaviour in Surfers so everyone can enjoy a safe night out.”

The six month snapshot reveals that officers have made 1044 arrests in the Surfers precinct, mostly for good order and liquor type offences, while nine people have been banned from the precinct for up to 13 months.

It shows police used conflict intervention strategies 459 times and took 311 people to safe zones to rest and recuperate during the first six months.

Police also took 92 people into detention for breaches of the peace and handed 28 people over to Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics for medical attention.

Mr Lucas said an online survey of patrons and people who live or work in the area shows that both these groups of people are aware of the trial and have clear opinions of its effectiveness.

“Feedback from those surveyed about the Drink Safe Precinct initiative has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said.

“Patrons have been impressed with the visible police presence and other initiatives aimed at combating alcohol fuelled violence, crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Close to 70 per cent of respondents have noticed the increased presence of police in the precinct.

Queensland MP for Southport Peter Lawlor said during the first six months of the trial inspectors from the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation conducted seven joint compliance operations targeting breaches of the Liquor Act 1992.

They detected 149 breaches at licensed premises.