Shots a hot topic ahead of New Year's Eve

The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation is urging venues to voluntarily restrict the sales of shots and the number of drinks sold per person.

It recommends glasses be replaced with plastic cups and events be ticketed to control crowd numbers.

A large police contingent will be present in Wangaratta on New Year’s Eve with thousands of revellers expected to attend venues and public areas.

While the Albion and Grand Central hotels won’t ban shots, owner Steve Wilson said they only made up a small percentage of alcohol sales.

“Most drinks late night venues sell these days would be ready-to-drink, in bottles or cans,” he said.

“We sell everything but beer in polycarbonate cups and have more security than is required.

“We don’t have a lot of problems on any big weekend really.

“Generally the crowds are very well behaved.”

Inspector David Ryan said police would have a heightened presence during the evening and said serving shots was a “high risk area” for venues. 

“We know that shots are one of the things that contribute to alcohol-related violence,” he said. 

“That’s because the effect of alcohol on people’s capacity to control themselves is a bit more immediate. 

“The consumption on shots doesn’t fit neatly with what our vision is with the responsible service of alcohol. 

“I’d encourage licensees to reconsider any promotion of events that encourages the consumption of shots late in the new year.” 

But Inspector Ryan said the majority of people were well behaved. 

“It’s a very busy night and by and large the behaviour is really good,” he said.

“Other than Albury, it’s pretty much the only place in north-east Victoria where we have late night entertainment for young people.

“It only takes one or two idiots to spoil it it for the majority.”

Police will patrol streets and venues during the night.