United Voice News
The key to cutting back alcohol-related violence in Queensland pubs and clubs lies in better training, more employer support and higher security-to-patron ratios, according to the LHMU.
Representing both hospitality and security workers, LHMU Queensland says that a blanket ban on glass in venues and earlier closing times is not going to solve the problem alone.
“With yet another glassing occurring over the weekend, it’s very clear that something needs to be done to fix this problem,” LHMU Branch Secretary Gary Bullock said.
“However, we believe that if someone is at the level of inebriation that they want to attack another patron at a pub or club, then removing glass from the equation is not going to stop them.
“There’s no doubt that glassings are a hideous and deplorable crime, but banning glass from pubs and clubs is only a band-aid solution to a much deeper issue - the fact that patrons are regularly getting out of control after hours of drinking.”
LHMU’s position is that employers can do more to prevent patrons from getting out of control in the first place.
“That means supporting and encouraging all staff to adhere to Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) restrictions, including not serving clearly inebriated or out-of-control patrons,” Gary Bullock said.
“We’d also like to see RSA training being administered face-to-face, rather than the current on-line offering, to give industry workers real experience in handling the complex issues they’ll face in the industry.
“In many cases, bar staff don’t feel confident to cut off someone’s alcohol because there’s no support coming from management.
“We’ve also found hospitality workers believe they may get into trouble from management for refusing service.
“Other solutions that need to be examined include upping security/ patron ratios beyond the legislated minimum of 1:100.”
