The effectiveness of community-based interventions to reduce violence in and around licensed premises: a comparison of three Australian models

Abstract

The findings of the Australian National Committee on Violence and the outcomes of a National Symposium on Alcohol and Violence have encouraged an interest in locally based initiatives to deal with the problem of alcohol-related violence in and around licensed premises in Australia. The first initiatives to emerge were in the form of local accords between police and licensees, with varying degrees of input and support from local government, licensing authorities, the various liquor industry associations, and the local community. To date none of these accords has had any legislative backing nor been underpinned by signed agreements, relying solely on the cooperation of the various parties. The early success claimed by the pioneering accords has resulted in their proliferation throughout Australia. This paper reviews three of the better-known accords, the West End Forum Project, the Surfers Paradise Safety Action Project, and the Geelong Local Industry Accord. Some general conclusions are made regarding the factors that are important with respect to the sustainability and efficacy of these approaches.