The Shellharbour Liquor Accord has announced a new multi‑venue barring policy – ‘Barred from One, Barred from All’ – to improve the patron experience and safety at member venues.
Under the new policy a patron barred for serious or repeated misconduct at one Accord venue may also be barred from other member venues.
The initiative aims to reduce and deter alcohol‑related violence and anti‑social behaviour, improving safety for guests across the licensed venues.
Barred from One, Barred from All reflects proven approaches used successfully in other NSW communities. It allows Accord venues to share information and make consistent decisions in line with pre-determined procedures.
It is endorsed by both Liquor & Gaming NSW and Lake Illawarra Police.
“Multi‑venue barring policies help send a strong and consistent message that violence and anti‑social behaviour will not be tolerated,” says Lake Illawarra Police District Commander, Superintendent Darren Brand.
“When venues, police and councils work together through a liquor accord, these policies can significantly improve safety for patrons, staff and the wider community.”
Shellharbour Liquor Accord is a partnership between licensed venues and authorities, including NSW Police, Liquor & Gaming, Shellharbour City Council and community stakeholders.
It includes a wide variety of operators, from single venue owners to larger outfits such as the O’Hara Group, which holds the Berkeley Hotel and Lake Illawarra Hotel in the area.
Individual venues will retain the right to refuse entry or bar patrons independently of the Accord policy, and the multi-venue strategy will continue to respect natural justice and appeal processes.
Patrons will be informed of the policy through in-venue signage and venue communications.
While embracing the principle of responsible service of alcohol, the Accord says Barred from One, Barred from All will help create “safer, more enjoyable” environments.
“This type of initiative empowers venues to act collectively rather than in isolation,” offers the Liquor Accord Executive Committee, led by chairperson Karma Webb.
