BY IAN CROUCH

Newcastle emergency service workers are calling for the city’s lockout laws to remain in place, fearing a spike in alcohol-fuelled violence if they are relaxed.

The Last Drinks Coalition, made up of police, paramedics, doctors, nurses and health sector workers, has made a submission to the independent review into liquor laws.

Cody Woods from the Newcastle Branch of the Police Association says even with the current laws, there’s still a major problem with alcohol-related violence in the city, saying Newcastle has one of the highest rates of non domestic violence related assaults in the state.

In it’s submission, Newcastle City Council is proposing to reward so-called well behaved venues by allowing them to trade for up to an hour longer.

Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes says Council wants to provide an incentive for venues as a way of encouraging the city’s night-time economy.



The Last Drinks Coalition Wants To See Lockout Laws Maintained And Strengthened Picture: lastdrinks.org.au