THE Australia Day booze ban in Noreuil Park has been extended to 9pm in response to concerns raised by Albury Police.
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Albury Council confirmed yesterday the restriction on alcohol consumption until 3pm would be extended by six hours following this year’s celebrations when police were called to break up fights.
Police were also taunted by revellers and some as young as 19 faced court after being arrested on charges of offensive conduct and language.
An Albury man was also Tasered by police after a fight broke out in Young Street near the Astor Hotel on the same night.
Albury Council general manager Frank Zaknich said the prohibited area definition would apply to Noreuil Park including the foreshore.
“The Riverdeck Cafe will be exempt and still able to operate as normal under its current liquor licence,” he said.
“The change is intended to assist police in addressing alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour, which can increase in the area on Australia Day.”
A major brawl erupted during Australia Day celebrations in Noreuil Park in 2008.
In response, festivities were switched from the afternoon to morning with the official ceremony beginning at 9am.
The grog ban in Noreuil Park until 3pm was also introduced.
The extended alcohol restrictions have been approved by council management and didn’t require the consent of councillors.
Albury police Inspector Tony Moodie said yesterday police were supportive of any measures to curb anti-social behaviour.
Meanwhile, Albury’s liquor accord is under pressure from police to introduce tighter controls on the sale of alcohol on “high risk” days including Anzac Day.
The accord this week resisted the option of rushing through public holiday reforms as part of its newly created terms document.
But accord chairman Daryl Betteridge confirmed stricter measures on Anzac Day and Easter Thursday, when there was increased patronage at late-night venues, would be discussed at its next meeting due in August.
“It will give everyone some time to think before we made any firm decisions,” he said.
Albury licensing unit supervisor Sgt Steve McCaig said: “These particular days are high risk for intoxication and potentially violence and we are trying to reduce these risks through the management of licensed venues.”
CCTV footage emerged after Anzac Day this year of a Zed Bar manager being struck by a metal bollard by a female patron who had just been ejected.
The manager had his back turned when he was hit on the shoulder with footage also showing a man kicking in a front window of the Dean Street premises.
They were from the same group.