NO CHANGE: Changes to the lockout times and the banning of shots after 1am, which was expected to be introduced this weekend, have been put back until at least next week.
Ultimately, a lot of the answers lie in shorter trading hours and controlling the strength of alcohol.
LAST drinks are yet to be called for Ballarat nightclub patrons, with this weekend's planned
introduction of a shot ban after 1am delayed by the city's liquor accord.
In the accord announced last week, the city's licensed venue owners agreed to stop serving straight alcohol shots, Jager bombs and high-potency mixed drinks after 1am in a bid to curb alcohol-fuelled
street crime.
All but one also agreed to trial a 2.30am lockout, bringing the curfew forward from the present 3am.
However, members of the accord will meet on Wednesday to finalise details of the move.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland, who was in Ballarat yesterday, praised the accord for implementing the measures which helped the police.
"Ultimately, a lot of the answers lie in shorter trading hours and controlling the strength of alcohol," he said.
"To use an example, at major sporting events we don't have anywhere near the trouble we used to have because we have gone to mid-strength beer . . . it just makes a huge difference.
"The evidence seems to be the lockout works in quietening the levels if violence, we have seen it time and time again.
"But, to be frank, my view would be I'd rather move away from lockouts and just have places close earlier.
"My ideal would be for them to close as early as possible. Ultimately, the community has to decide the appropriate time for itself," said Mr Overland.
"This notion that you go out and drink alcohol 24 hours a day, at 4 o'clock in the morning needs to be challenged.
"There is very little good that happens in or around licensed premises after 1am."
Email a friend