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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

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