Submission to the NSW Inquiry into measures to reduce alcohol and drug-related violence

The NSW ACT Alcohol Policy Alliance (NAAPA) Submission to the New South Wales (NSW) Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety Inquiry into measures to reduce alcohol and drug-related violence makes 15 recommendations, focusing on the need for the NSW Government to adopt a consistent approach in preventing alcohol harms.

Recommendations

1. The Committee on Law and Safety recommends the development of a comprehensive evaluation framework for the Sydney CBD precinct that includes the collection and analysis of statistical and observational data.
2. The Committee on Law and Safety recommends the development of an evaluation of the statewide measures including the 10pm closing times for off-licence premises and the risk-based licensing scheme.
3. The Committee on Law and Safety recommends that the Government engage experts in the research field, including the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), to ensure that the evaluation of the measures is independent and robust.
4. The Committee on Law and Safety ensures that any claims made by members of the alcohol industry are substantiated by independent data sources.
5. The Committee on Law and Safety recommends the introduction of Controlled Purchase Operations as a matter of priority.
6. The Committee on Law and Safety recommends the development and implementation of a social marketing campaign as a matter of priority in consultation with an expert advisory group.
7. The Committee on Law and Safety recommends that communities in NSW are able to introduce similar conditions that have been implemented in the City of Sydney CBD Precinct, such as lock outs and last drink policies.
8. The Committee on Law and Safety recommends the development and funding of a Community Defenders Office to assist communities to engage with the liquor licensing and planning systems.
9. The Committee on Law and Safety recommends that the Liquor Promotion Guidelines are reviewed immediately in an open and transparent consultation process.
10. The Committee on Law and Safety recommends that along with the release of the Environment and Venue Assessment Tool evaluation, the Government also release the trial results, the tool and the research that informed its development.
11. The Committee on Law and Safety recommends that the current liquor licence freeze remains in place until appropriate cumulative impact policies are developed.
12. The Committee on Law and Safety recommends the collection of alcohol sales across NSW to contribute to the National Alcohol Sales Data Project.
13. The Committee on Law and Safety recommends that the collection of alcohol sales data be used as part of the evaluation of measures.
14. The Committee on Law and Safety recommends the development of an evidence-based statewide strategy for the prevention and management of alcohol harms in NSW in consultation with stakeholders.
15. The Committee on Law and Safety ensures that the implementation of policies as a result of the various reviews and inquiries occurs in a coordinated and consistent manner.