New pub rules on cards

TROUBLESOME drinkers asked to leave one pub could be barred from all other hotels under a new blanket ban currently under discussion.
The move is being considered as part of plans to foster stronger relationships between police and local publicans.
Operators of hotels and clubs in Pakenham and other centres around Cardinia Shire have held regular meetings with police over recent months to discuss ways to handle shared concerns such as bad behaviour.
Pakenham Police Sergeant Chris Marlow said the blanket ban proposal had general support among local publicans as a way to deal with the small number of drinkers who made a habit of creating trouble.
“Any persons found to be behaving in an unacceptable, antisocial manner, placing either themselves or other patrons at risk, could find themselves banned from all licensed premises in the Cardinia district,” Sgt Marlow said. “It is an initiative that is very successful in other parts of Victoria. Basically, it intends to stop people barred from certain premises from going to another establishment and taking their behavioural problems with them.”
The lack of public transport in the area and concerns about adults purchasing liquor for underage teenagers were other issues raised at the regular gettogethers, Sgt Marlow said.
He said police wanted people to enjoy themselves over Christmas and the new year period, but warned drink driving or antisocial behaviour would not be accepted.