BY-SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL
16 pubs and clubs in Newcastle's inner city and Hamilton have been approved for relaxed liquor rules which will allow them to stay open and accept entries later, and serve cocktails and shots after 10:00pm, reversing restrictions put in place in 2008.
The 2008 'Newcastle Solution' laws were created to make the city safer and reduce alcohol related crime.
The rules were relaxed for an 12 month trial in 2021-22, and after the trial was deemed "successful" the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority have allowed venues to apply for permanent rule changes.
The ILGA has said venues were assessed on a case-by-case basis, but Newcastle residents, including Alcohol Violence campaigner, Dr. Tony Brown, is concerned the blanket rule will have detrimental affects on patron and police safety.
Dr. Brown, who is a lecturer at the University of Newcastle and a member of a Newcastle residential group told Newcastle Herald, "Newcastle in 2008 was a literal alcohol bloodbath."
Dr Brown said a 60-80% increase in assaults were reported at venues participating in the trial and is confused about how it's being considered successful.
The ILGA have not yet released their reasons for deeming the trial a success.
The ILGA reported most participating venues saw improved patronage, overturn and employment opportunities during the trial.
"It's very interesting that those who are making the most profit out of selling excessive amounts of alcohol are calling the trial a success."
"It's not until we see more preventable deaths... that the government may finally put public and police safety ahead of pub profits," Dr Brown said.
Clubs such as King Street Hotel, Customs House, Finnegans, Argyle House and Queens Wharf Hotel are among those approved for the relaxed rules.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp was unavailable for comment but has welcomed the approvals and said the old rules were "outdated".
