Alcohol-fuelled Crime Up Statewide But Stable in Manly 
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| Thursday, 24 April 2008 | ||||||
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“Manly is often held up as a problem spot, yet this report shows the good work the community is doing is starting to take effect,” Mr Baird said. The Auditor General found Manly is among only 14% of areas statewide where alcohol-related assaults have stabilised or declined over the past two years. “We’re not there yet – not by any means – but it is encouraging that while the rest of the state is experiencing more alcohol-related crime, Manly has bucked the trend.” Mr Baird said this week the Manly Safety Committee and Manly Liquor Accord will forward their submissions on how the new liquor laws should be regulated after the Minister for Gaming and Racing agreed to accept direct input from Manly. “Over recent years Manly has shown real leadership in getting alcohol-related problems under control. Policing is now more proactive, the Council’s upgrade of the Corso has improved lighting around venues, and licensees have tightened their Code of Conduct and agreed to a voluntary lockout.” Mr Baird welcomed the Auditor General’s recommendation for the names of pubs and clubs that have breached licensing laws to be made publicly available on the website of the Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing. “The community is entitled to know which pubs and clubs are doing the right thing,” he said. “The Auditor General has called on the Government to fund more campaigns on responsible drinking and to educate the public on what the new liquor laws mean for patrons and licensees, which is welcome news. “However, these campaigns will need to be backed up with more resources. The Government’s recent axing of 24 frontline anti-violence workers across the state, including Jenny Huxley from the Northern Beaches, certainly puts us on the back-foot.” MEDIA: Lisa Harrington – 0406 726 880 Add to:          Write Comment
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