ALCOHOL was involved in most of the arrests Albury police made during a weekend blitz .

Albury’s Chief Inspector Kim Sorensen said 12 people had been arrested and 21 charges laid during the two-day Australia-wide operation against alcohol-fuelled incidents and bad behaviour.

Insp Sorensen said infringement notices had been issued to people failing to leave licensed premises after being asked by staff to do so.

And three people were detected driving with alcohol in their systems out of the 230 random breath tests conducted.

“Out-licensed premises also came under scrutiny, with no major issues detected,” he said.

Across NSW, 540 people were arrested and 1062 charges laid.

Operation commander Gary Worboys said he was concerned about the high number of people charged with failing to quit and common assault in incidents in and around licensed premises.

“One of the biggest problems we’ve noticed during the operation this year is the refusal by many people to leave pubs and clubs when asked by security,” Assistant Commissioner Worboys said.

“Some of these people think they have a right to enter or remain one the premises when they’ve been identified as drinking too much. They want to argue, often punches are thrown and then police get involved.

“Anyone who fails to leave licensed premises when requested is liable for a $550 fine.

“And an assault may well get you a life-long criminal conviction and possible jail time.”