IT IS "inevitable" Ballarat's clubs and pubs will have a 2am lockout according to Ballarat's former Chief Inspector Bob Barby.Yesterday the State Government announced Melbourne's cental business district bars, clubs and pubs would be forced to lock out patrons after 2am in a move to cut alcohol-fuelled violence on the streets.The initiative mirrors Ballarat's curfew of 3am that was brought into place about four years ago to curb similar problems.Mr Barby said while every community was different a 2am lockout could work in the city. When the curfew was first introduced a 2am lockout was set, but was later moved to 3am after smaller pubs away from the CBD said their clientele was dwindling as people left earlier to go into the city."It (2am lockout) would be far more effective even through the 3am has had a positive impact on assaults and other anti-social behaviour. I believe it will one day happen," Mr Barby said.Australian Hotels Association Ballarat Branch president Ian Larkin said more discussion would be needed before a 2am curfew was re-introduced."We tried 2am. It did not work," he said. "A lot of our suburban hotels were affected badly and sporting venues."Ballarat a Safe City Committee chairman councillor Des Hudson said it would be important to have a vigorous debate about the issue."I think it's always up for review," he said."But there are various stakeholders and we need to make sure we give an opportunity to listen to all sides of the argument ... and have a rigorous debate."Central Highlands Superintendent Andrew Allen said the lockout was playing a part in reducing street violence."We haven't seen a significant spike in assaults in licensed premises which we attribute partially to the lock out," he said. "However we are maintaining a strong and visible police presence in and around the nightclub precinct."