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knox liquorlicensing accord2015

Knox liquor licensing accordAccording to the Victorian Commission forGaming and Licensing Regulation (VCGLR, 2015),Liquor Accords are established under Part 8,Division 6 of the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998.In Knox, the Accord aims to address licensingand permit issues, patron behaviour and control,venue management, community safety andamenity issues. The document intends to besupportive rather than compliance focused,and aims to instil a spirit of cooperationamongst members.This Accord endeavours to provide a bestpractice guide that sets out specific aims, actions,objectives and strategies that provide practicalsolutions to local alcohol-related problems andimplement a range of programs to promote harmminimisation principles. This is achieved throughproviding members with access to informationand training, open channels of communicationand support from the Police, Council, and LiquorLicensing Victoria, as well as the opportunity tolearn from other licensees.Objectives of the KnoxLiquor Accord:1. Influence the management and availability oflicensed venues in Knox to restrict venues withlate night trading and large patron numbers.2. Plan appropriately for off premisesconsumption licenses to discourage licenceapplications that contribute to negativecumulative impacts on alcohol misuse. Consider levels of social and economicdisadvantage in areas where new packagedliquor outlets are proposed.3. Be aware of social impacts of licensedvenues, particularly on vulnerablecommunity members. Create a vibrant City supported by asustainable night time economy.4. Support well managed licensed venuesto ensure safety of patrons and staff inKnox venues.5. Work collaboratively to reduce alcoholrelated harm in Knox by contributing to a forumfor information sharing and training that reducesthe adverse impacts of alcohol in the Knoxcommunity.Monitoring and ReviewThe Liquor Accord with be reviewed by membersof the Accord Steering Committee annually.MembershipMembership to the Knox Liquor Accord isvoluntary, and open to licensees of bars, clubs,pubs, hotels, sporting clubs, package liquoroutlets, Police, Local Government, securityproviders and the Victorian Commission forGaming and Licensing (VCGLR).LicenseesCommit to upholding Liquor Licence conditionsand attending forum meetings.Knox CouncilThe City of Knox will assist with theco-ordination of Knox Liquor Licensing AccordSteering Committee meetings, forum activitiesand producing documentation to facilitatepositive outcomes for Alcohol Managementin the City of Knox.Knox Police Service AreaVictoria Police is committed to assisting theKnox Liquor Accord by providing advice andguidance, and implementing law enforcementstrategies that support community safety in andaround licensed premises in Knox. Knox Policewill support the Knox Liquor Licensing SteeringCommittee in the development of Accord relateddocuments, activities and forums. Create a mix of activities in Knoxentertainment precincts. Support safe, well connectedtransport routes.Knox Liquor Licensing Accord 20151

Overall Aims for LicencseesLiquor Licensing VictoriaCurrent MembershipLiquor Licensing Victoria is committed toproviding timely support and guidance relatingto relevant legislation and regulations.Jason RigopoulosSeamus O’Toole HotelWarren BleeStamford HotelKevin McMasterWantirna ClubJackie BoothZagamesCliff SunderlandBoronia PoliceRowville PoliceRowville PolicePhil EdmundsKnox PoliceJohn HessKnox PoliceTherese FitzgeraldInspector,Knox PoliceMark HawkerRowville PoliceMark RogersKnox PoliceChris CollinsWestfield SecurityAdrian VogelRowville PoliceAugistino NguyenCrime Prevention OfficerVictoria PoliceVCGLR representativeKnox Region Actively monitor the behaviour of patronsto detect early signs of intoxication orinappropriate behaviourVCGLRJames GribbleColes Licensing Not serve alcohol to, or allow entry of, personswho are intoxicated or drunkLisette PineKnox City CouncilSamantha SpoonerKnox City CouncilThe Knox Liquor LicensingSteering Committee:The Knox Liquor Licensing Steering Committeeincludes representation from all Knox PoliceStations, Council, the Knox Licensing Inspector,and three Knox Licensed Venues. The committee: Monitors and evaluates the progress ofthe Accord Shares ideas and addresses topical issues Addresses major breaches of the Accord Provides advice and recommendations inrelation to new Liquor Licence applicationson request and for changes to current liquorlicences in KnoxWhat is a liquor forum?Meeting ProceduresA liquor forum refers to the meeting ofparticipants. A liquor forum is where liquorindustry representatives and interestedcommunity members meet regularly to developand support implementation of strategies toimprove the operation of licensed premises andreduce alcohol-related harm in a local area.The Knox Liquor Licensing Steering Committeecommit to meeting a minimum of 4 times a yearto plan the development and implementationof the Accord document and related forumactivities. Council commit to convening the KnoxLiquor Licensing Steering Committee meetings,and providing administrative support, includingcirculation of agendas and minutes. KnoxPolice support steering committee functions byproviding meeting spaces when available.Engage with the Knox Police andCouncil to run a better venueParticipating Knox venues will: Ensure their staff are fully trained in theresponsible serving of alcohol and are familiarwith the principles and practices of the KnoxAccordUnderage PersonsParticipating Knox venues will: Actively screen patrons to ensure they are18 years or older Check approved proof of age ID before entry,including photo and date of birth Refuse entry to anyone who is underage orwho has no ID Refuse service to any adult reasonablysuspected of supplying alcohol to anunderage person Actively participate in promoting the Accord,its principles and strategies, and in monitoringits outcomes Model RSA principles and socially responsiblealcohol consumption when minors are present,particularly in sporting clubsPromote Responsible Service ofAlcohol (RSA) Increase vigilance in checking identificationduring ‘Schoolies’ periods or events targeted atyoung peopleParticipating Knox venues will: Not encourage an underage drinking lifestylein any advertising or promotion of alcohol Strictly enforce the minimum age forconsumption of alcohol Discourage activities that encourage rapid orexcessive consumption of liquor Actively promote and make available water,non-alcoholic or low alcohol beverages andsnacks at all timesSee VCGLR Licensee Obligation brochures andLiquor Licensing Fact Sheets (page 6 & 7)for information on: Minors on licensed premises Minors on licensed premises – underage ormixed-age events Underage patrons on licensed premisesSee VCGLR Liquor Licensing Fact Sheets(page 6 & 7) for information on: Training for licence applicants Code of conduct – packaged liquor licensees Mandatory water Intoxication guidelines2Knox Liquor Licensing Accord 2015Knox Liquor Licensing Accord 20153

Improve Safety & SecurityParticipating Knox venues will: Maintain safety and security throughout theirlicensed premises Establish communication with local policeand maintain accurate records when anincident occurs Maintain a safe venue for patrons and staff Monitor and discourage anti-social behaviourin and around licensed premises Employ only licensed crowd controllers Ensure staff, including security staff, are clearlyidentifiable (e.g. uniforms, name tags) Manage queues for entry in an orderly fashion Ensure CCTV equipment as per licenceconditions is operating efficiently Ensure CCTV footage is available forviewing and downloading for supply in atimely manner to Victoria Police and VCGLRCompliance Inspectors upon request Ensure patrons do not block footpaths, roadsand/or laneways Facilitate phased, orderly and quiet exit ofpatrons from premises when closing Where possible, serve alcohol in containersthat minimise harm (accidental or intentional)to patrons e.g. plastic, shatter-proofCommitment to beingGood NeighboursInternet Based HomeDelivered LiquorParticipating Knox venues will respect localamenity and reduce the risk of disruptivebehaviour by its patrons, reminding them of theirobligations under State law where necessaryHome delivery Liquor services have becomeavailable across Victoria through major chainsand Liquor Barns in recent years, with a rangeof delivery times – generally next day servicesor within a few days. More recently, immediateresponse (within half an hour for a home delivery)services have gained momentum in Knox. Thelicence type is a standard Limited Licence allowingfor the delivery of liquor, similar to other majorretailers. It contains specific conditions in regardsto responsible service of alcohol, including thatdeliveries are only to be provided to patrons overthe age of 18 years, and identification is to bechecked where appropriate. It also specifies thatliquor is not to be left at unoccupied premises.Promotional activitiesPromotions that encourage irresponsibleconsumption of alcohol are of significantconcern to the Knox community. Promotionswhich encourage rapid or excessive alcoholconsumption are not encouraged as they can leadto alcohol-related violence, disorder and adversehealth effects.Also of particular concern are promotions thatencourage inappropriate attitudes towardswomen and place women at increased risk ofsexual assault. These promotions are obviouslynot in the public interest and as such are notacceptable.In particular, the Knox Liquor Accord commitsto reducing: Advertising or promotions that provideincentives for rapid or excessive drinking Advertising or promotions that encourageunder-age drinking (Department of Justice,2009)Design ConsiderationsDesign principles can be applied to positivelyaffect patron behaviour. The Knox Liquor Accordrecommends maintaining clear pathways andlines of sight throughout Knox venues to minimisethe opportunity for over-crowding.Participating Knox venues will consider pointsof congestion and congregation, as well as otherhazards that require attention by conductingregular safety audits around their premises. Byopening out congregation points, increasinglighting, and changing the layout of venues bymoving furniture, conflict amongst patrons can bereduced (Department of Justice Victoria, 2009).The VCGLR is currently scrutinising these types ofbusinesses and ensuring that they are adhering tothe conditions on their licence and not operatingoutside of the scope of the legislation. This is anissue that the VCGLR are taking very seriouslygiven the potential for impact on alcohol relatedharm in the community. These types of businesseswill be monitored closely to ensure theircontinued compliance.Participating Knox venues will commit tocooperating fully with the VCGLR in investigatingthese services. Keep an incident register and ensure it isaccurately maintained Not tolerate illicit drug use and will notifyVictoria Police immediately4Knox Liquor Licensing Accord 2015Knox Liquor Licensing Accord 20155