Riverina Police District has re-established the Temora Liquor Accord.
On Monday (11 October) the police said the Temora Liquor Accord would be chaired by the licensee of the Shamrock Hotel, Heather Greenham.
A key strategy of the accord will be the reintroduction of the multi-venue barring scheme, “Barred from One, Barred from All”. This will bring Temora in line with the Wagga, Junee and Tumut liquor accords.
Riverina Police District say patrons who engage in acts of violence, threaten or abuse licensed premises staff, use, sell or possess drugs, engage in inappropriate behaviours or harass other patrons, steal, damage property or, are minors (illegally on the licensed premises), may find themselves barred from Temora’s licensed premises by local licensees and managers for three months to life.
Minors who illegally enter licensed premises in the liquor accord area will find themselves barred from licensed premises until their 19th birthday.
While licensees understand they compete with each other from a business perspective, they all want to provide their community and visitors with a friendly, fun and safe environment where people can socialise, celebrate, drink and eat with their family, friends and colleagues without fear of being confronted by violence or other behaviours that impact on their social activities.
The liquor accord has the full support of local police and the Riverina Police District. Local police will assist with the barring process by serving barring notices on patrons who engage in activities that result in them being barred.
Riverina Police District says individuals who fail to comply with the barring notice will be investigated for the offence of trespass, and their barring period will recommence from the date they commit an offence.
In NSW, Liquor accords are voluntary industry-based partnerships working in local communities to introduce practical solutions to liquor-related problems. They facilitate ways to improve the operation of licensed venues so that entertainment venues and precincts are safe and enjoyable.
Most liquor accords include members from the local business community, local councils, police, government departments and other community organisations.
The benefits of being a liquor accord member include: a reduction in underage drinking, anti-social behaviour and crime, and alcohol-related violence in licensed venues in the community; safe, enjoyable entertainment and social environments for venue patrons and improved compliance with liquor laws and improved venue reputations.
Other benefits include: collaborative and supportive relationships between licensees, local councils, patrons, residents and police, customised materials and resources tailored to meet requirements and access to the latest liquor accord news, regulatory changes and industry updates.
The NSW Government says it is committed to having an effective and sustainable network of liquor accords across the state.