Police presence ‘must continue’

Valley licensed premises want the recent police surge to continue – but they also want harsher penalties for those drinkers caught playing up.
Valley Liquor Accord chairman Danny Blair said an increased police presence in the Valley during November and December had proven successful in reducing incidents. “And that’s the approach the government should continue to take in addressing the issue,” he said.
“We want an increased police presence in the Valley every weekend as it’s proved to be successful in reducing anti-social behaviour. “The police need their actions and hard work supported with harsher penalties in court.”
He called on the Queensland Government to get serious about tackling alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and introduce harsher penalties for serial offenders. Mr Blair said the VLA was extremely disappointed that a man who had faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday on his fourth public nuisance charge in 12 months yet was only fined $300.
Mr Blair said the man had showed disrespect for the court by swearing during his hearing and was fined an amount that would not be deemed harsh enough to act as a deterrent. “For someone to face court four times in 12 months and only be penalised the cost of two Big Day Out tickets, shows we are losing the battle in educating people on anti-social behaviour,” Mr Blair said.
“We’ve invested a lot of time and money in increasing our security, launching a safety campaign and falling into line with government directives to make the Valley a safer precinct to socialise.
“I assume this man was sober, yet swore in court, so what hope have we got when he gets in a public place and consumes alcohol knowing the worse that can happen is a $300 fine.
“What we need are penalties which mirror the government’s rhetoric on clamping down on anti-social behaviour against individuals.”
Mr Blair said this incident occurred before midnight and flew in the face of the Ambulance and Police Unions calls for a 2am shut down.