Enjoy your night out but safely, says Ballarat Inspector

Ballarat Local Area Commander, Inspector Dan Davison, said police understood people were "busting to get out" and socialise after a lengthy lockdown and the ring of steel being lifted but police wanted to make sure everyone could head out and enjoy the city's hospitality venues safely.

"After such a lengthy period without being able to socialise in an environment with alcohol, the temptation could well be there to overindulge," Inspector Davison said.

"We want everyone to go out and enjoy our beautiful city again, but we just want to make sure that everyone does it in a safe manner."

With no major sporting or other events marked on the calendar this summer and the lockdowns easing towards the Christmas and New Year period, he said there would be increased pressure on licensed venues.

To police a continued safe return to licensed premises - pubs, bars and even licensed restaurants and cafes - police will regularly patrol the central business district and walk through licensed premises, especially at weekends.

"The public can expect to see more patrols out and about providing that highly visible policing presence," Inspector Davison said.

During the last few weeks, police have started to see an increase in non-family violence-related assaults throughout the community.

While they have not yet pinpointed the cause of the trend, Inspector Davison said these assaults could become an increasing problem if fueled by excessive alcohol consumption and police wanted to prevent this from occurring.

Uniform police are working with stakeholders, such as the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR), the Department of Health and Human Services and councils to ensure licensed premises are opening in line with the law and are not exceeding patron density limits or operating in breach of their liquor licenses.

In addition, government restrictions outline that whether a person is ordering a drink with or without food, they must be seated to consume it - this rule applies to all licensed venues.

Masks can be removed when sitting down to consume food or drink, but once you get up to use the bathroom or pay for a meal, you must put your mask back on.

ALSO IN THIS SERIES:

PART ONE: The police who manned the checkpoint in 'rain hail or shine'

PART TWO: How Daylesford police managed a town that is usually swarming with tourists during COVID-19

PART THREE: Meet the police who door-knocked Ballarat during the COVID-19 outbreak

PART FOUR: Police stood up and 'served' to keep community safe, Superintendent says

PART FIVE: The police who have worked hard to address the 'shadow pandemic'

But Inspector Davison said the increased patrols were not just about enforcing restrictions or the law.

"It's about making sure that people know we're around and that we're there for them if they need us," he said.

He encouraged community members to inform police of any issues as the state approaches the new COVID-normal.

In line with restrictions easing and licensed premises reopening, police are also strengthening their focus on conducting roadside drug and alcohol testing to take dangerous drivers off the roads. Booze buses are returning to the region to strengthen this approach.

Non-urgent crimes or COVID breaches can be reported through the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, while reports can be made anonymously through Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

Always call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.