AMA Victoria has urged the State to look deeper into liquor licensing breaches and has alleged that there have been only four prosecutions out of the near 15,200 breaches. There were 1,200 venues who were reportedly supplying liquor “other than in accordance with the license”. AMA Victoria has asked the state government to introduce harsher penalties for venue operators that breach their liquor licensing conditions.
According to AMA Victoria president Dr Harry Hemley, “If we are serious about promoting a culture of responsible drinking, we need to direct our attention to the people who profit from selling alcohol to under 18s and serving drunk patrons…Pubs, clubs and bottle shops that do the wrong thing should face suitable deterrents. At the moment, we've got a large number of breaches but very few prosecutions.” “We need to send a very clear message to licensees that the sale of alcohol to intoxicated patrons is unacceptable and will be met with serious consequences…The Brumby Government and Liberal/National Coalition need to commit to stronger penalties for alcohol license breaches in the lead up to the 27 November election,” he added.
He informed that many liquor related cases turned up before doctors, “We treat victims of assault, road trauma, accidents, as well as the long term affects of alcohol dependence on the body. It is particularly distressing to see the effect alcohol abuse on whole families…Doctors play an important role in promoting responsible drinking among patients, but our messages only go so far. We need the licensees to play their part in promoting responsible alcohol consumption too.”
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