Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News

Tough Stance On Drugs

Members of the Phillip Island Liquor Accord have agreed to harsh penalties for anyone found with drugs in their possession in licensed premises.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 16th March 2010 - Back to News

Accord Chair and Phillip Island RSL General Manager, George Szeitli, said offenders would face a minimum of a one year ban up to a life time ban in all licensed venues on Phillip Island and in San Remo.

"These penalties reflect how serious we believe having drugs in a licensed venue is," said Mr Szeitli.

"A life time ban from all licensed venues means that you can’t buy alcohol in a bottle shop or have a cup of coffee in a licensed café. It’s a very serious penalty.

"Drug use is a problem around Australia, but this is a local solution to what we see as a global problem," explained Mr Szeitli.

The Liquor Accord saw the results of some of their recent actions when a young lady visited the Accord meeting this month.

Bass Coast Shire Council Community Safety Manager, Peter Laydon, said hearing the lady speak at the meeting was a rewarding experience.

"She was banned by the Liquor Accord in May 2009 for assault," said Mr Laydon. "She was intoxicated and drug affected.

"Since being banned, she has turned her life around. She has completed a rehabilitation program, is tested twice a week to ensure she remains drug and alcohol free and attends AA Meetings.

"It was a really positive outcome to hear that she has taken control of her life. We have since relaxed her ban to allow her to visit licensed premises, but she is still banned from buying or drinking alcohol.

"We know that the Liquor Accord can make a difference which is why we are taking such a strong stance on drugs.

"The Accord has been a great example of how Council can work with the community to find solutions to local problems," continued Mr Laydon.

Other Accord initiatives include the banning of underage patrons caught in licensed premises for six months after they turn 18 and reducing the amount of alcohol sold in glass packaging when there is another option available.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Phillip Island gears up for the return of MotoGP and Marquee October events across Bass Coast
  Phillip Island hosts a huge October of events, headlined by the 2025 MotoGP, drawing 100,000 fans for racing, music, and entertainment, with free Community Day tickets and Cowes transformed into an entertainment hub.
• Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
  Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts.
• East Gippsland Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomes new members to strengthen engagement with farming
  East Gippsland's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomed new members, enhancing council's connection with farming communities while tackling key priorities like renewable energy, drought resilience, mental health, and pest animal challenges.
• East Gippsland Shire adopts fairer Raymond Island Ferry pass system, replacing portable passes with vehicle stickers from 2026/27
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Raymond Island Ferry portable passes with vehicle stickers by 2026/27, introducing fairer allocations for residents and tenants, with interim free pass improvements effective immediately.
• Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• East Gippsland Council to consider proposed changes to Raymond Island Ferry pass system at September meeting
  East Gippsland Shire Council will consider proposed Raymond Island Ferry pass changes, including extra landowner passes, renter passes, and future consultation, aiming for fairer allocation and improved functionality from 2026/27.