MIDNIGHT LOCKDOWN
Calls for CBD clubs to shut at 12pm to stem alcohol-related crime
“Late nights are a problem for us, as we all know” BOB ELIX, DARWIN COUNCIL ALDERMAN
A CALL to close Mitchell St pubs and nightclubs at midnight has been labelled “concerning” by the Territory’s peak body for hotels.
Darwin Council alderman Bob Elix said pub closing times had to be moved forward from 2am to midnight to reduce the effect of alcohol in the CBD.
Mr Elix suggested the early closure during the council’s discussion of the NT Government’s alcohol policies review in last week’s meeting.
He told the meeting too many “late-night drinking venues” in the CBD exacerbated Darwin’s alcohol problem.
“Late nights are a problem for us, as we all know, especially around Mitchell St,” he said.
Mr Elix also said licenced premises had to contribute to funding sobering-up shelters and takeaway liquor outlets were available in the city.
Australian Hotels Association NT CEO Des Crowe said Mr Elix’s comments contradicted his own council’s report on the contribution of hotels to Darwin’s night-time economy.
“While the comments are concerning, if they reflect the view of the City of Darwin elected members they can be directed to the expert panel consulting on the NT’s alcohol policies and legislation,” he said.
“These comments conflict with the council-commissioned report on the important contribution of the night-time economy and the push to make Darwin CBD a vibrant precinct for both locals and tourists,” he said.
“All CBD stakeholders are committed to attracting more people into the CBD and the Territory in general to both work and stay.”
NT Police Association president Paul McCue said pub closing times had to be reviewed, along with the opening hours of takeaway liquor outlets.
“Levels of access to both onpremises consumption and takeaway liquor, including opening hours of outlets, is an important consideration, as is the number of outlets that are in any one area,” he said.
“Consumption of alcohol at venues such as pubs and clubs presents its own set of issues, just as takeaway alcohol does. One is neither worse or easier than the other to deal with.
“It is paramount that all liquor outlets, be it on premises or takeaway, are held to account for serving alcohol responsibly and that this is managed and enforced by the existing government arm of licensing and industry itself.”
Wisdom manager Tory Callery said closing Mitchell St venues at the same time would create chaos, with intoxicated patrons trying to leave the city en masse.
“There will be a lot more difficulty in getting home,” Ms Callery said.
British backpackers Laura Scanavacca and Roshni Goodwin said an early pub closure would kill off Darwin’s nightlife and affect tourism.