Venues sign up to accord with police

Alex de Vos
Licensed venues in Torquay have signed a liquor accord with police to help tackle public drunkenness.
Police Inspector Bill Mathers said the accord would require licensees to boost security to weed out underage drinkers, while serving alcohol responsibly and halting sales of cheap drinks.
“It’s a mission statement that meets police and community requirements for the service of liquor,” Insp Mathers said.
“Most of the establishments from the region signed the accord, which we see as a very positive step forward.
“It’s about working together to solve community issues.”
Superintendent Peter O’Neil told the Independent last month that the Surf Coast Accord would not include features of an agreement between police and licensees in Geelong such as lockouts and the introduction of identification scanners.
“It’s not about closing early, it’s just about licensed venues getting their act together.”
Supt O’Neill hoped the accord would reduce alcohol-related assaults.
“Hopefully the signing of the new liquor accords in Torquay and Lorne will impact on assault figures.”