By MATT NICHOLLS
ARMIDALE Police Inspector Roger Best says hard work was the key to turning around the trouble at the New England Hotel after it was removed from a list of NSW’s most violent establishments.
The Armidale pub had restrictions forced upon it by the State Government after it recorded more than a dozen incidents over a financial year.
However, Inspector Best said the “Newie” would now able to operate under the same rules as the other licensed venues in the city, providing it followed the Armidale and District Liquor Accord.
Under the accord rules, patrons are prevented from entering pubs and clubs after 12.30am.
“There’s been a lot of hard work put in by both the police and the New England Hotel and its pleasing to see when the results pay off,” Inspector Best said.
“Unfortunately we still see too much alcohol-related crime in Armidale and police are still spending a lot of hours monitoring the streets late at night.”
Inspector Best said the opening of nightclub Mojos had drawn patronage from other licensed venues and it was in the police spotlight.
“We are very strategic in our rosters and make sure we have enough officers on duty when the crowds are out at night,” he said.
Inspector Best gave a timely reminder to residents they they should drink responsibly in the festive season.
“We understand that at this time of year there are a lot of occasions and parties, so we are just letting people know in advance that we won’t tolerate any anti-social behaviour,” he said.
