28 September 2022
The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has welcomed the WA Government’s proposed legislation that will allow police to ban those who are convicted of violent and anti-social behavior from entering the state’s key entertainment precincts.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said establishing Protected Entertainment Precincts within the Liquor Control Act will deliver a significant boost to public safety, by targeting and excluding those with serious criminal convictions or those who are looking to cause trouble.
“This is a positive step towards ensuring those who visit and work in WA’s premier entertainment precincts are provided with a greater level of safety and comfort,” Mr Woods said.
“The new laws send a very clear message – if you get locked up for a serious offence, expect to also get locked out of WA’s entertainment precincts.”
“Empowering WA Police to issue temporary exclusion orders will also help clean up areas of Perth and surrounds that we want people to be attracted to, not apprehensive about.”
“The key to the new temporary exclusion powers being successful will be the extent to which they are used by WA Police and the AHA will be encouraging licensees to work with authorities to help identify recidivist antisocial offenders.”
“We look forward to reviewing the proposed legislation and consulting with the government to ensure it succeeds in achieving its objective.”
“The AHA commends the McGowan Government and in particular Minister Buti and Minister Papalia for proposing a targeted solution to tackling anti-social behaviour, rather than imposing restrictions on all law-abiding citizens.”
Further information: David De Garis 0412 577 567
