More drunk violence in Sydney fuels debate

Violent nights in Sydney add to the debate about how to deal with alcohol-related violence with calls for a Senate inquiry into the problem.

A person drinking a bottle of beer

(AAP)

A drunken brawl that spills out onto an inner-city street.

A man lying unconscious on a footpath after being punched in the head.

Another hospitalised for falling victim to a head butt in a park fight.

For police in Sydney, this is part of a typical Friday or Saturday night.

And while it was no different during the recent weekend, political parties are using these assaults to fuel the debate about tackling drunken violence.

Among them are the Greens, who have called for a Senate inquiry into the topical issue following another violent weekend in Sydney.

Public order and riot police were called to George Street early on Sunday morning after a brawl erupted in the street.

Police say a number of people were asked to move on but two men refused and were confrontational towards police.

No charges were laid but police expect infringement notices to be issued.

A couple of hours later a 21-year-old man was walking out of a Sussex Street hotel when he was punched by a stranger.

Sydney police Inspector Stewart Leggat said the man was knocked unconscious and hit his head on the footpath.

He was taken to St Vincent's Hospital with non-life-threatening head injuries.

"It is similar to the violence we have seen in recent times," Inspector Leggat told reporters on Sunday.

Another man was taken to St Vincent's Hospital after being head butted during a fight at Hyde Park at 3.40am (AEDT) on Sunday.

The ongoing alcohol-related drama is driving the debate about how to tackle the problem, which Australian Greens senator Scott Ludlam labelled "something of an epidemic".

Mr Ludlam said the Greens would move a notice of motion when federal parliament resumes next month to have a Senate inquiry into drunken violence.

The Greens have been pushing for a Senate inquiry into the promotion and advertising of alcohol but Mr Ludlam believes it should be broader.

"I don't think there has ever been a better time to look at what measures the commonwealth can take to reduce the horrific impact on people's lives and on families," he told reporters on Sunday.

Mr Ludlam said it was time to hear from the experts, including on health and alcohol pricing.

His comments come a day before NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell is due to present a suite of measures to cabinet to combat drunk violence.

Following mounting pressure, Mr O'Farrell announced on Thursday his government would urgently consider a battle plan.

The reforms cabinet will consider on Monday include better alcohol licensing regulation, boosted police resources and penalties targeting those who commit crimes while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson said the premier must announce early lock-outs in drinking venues.

"All the experts, whether its police, ambulance officers or the other health professionals dealing with this problem, all know the solution to this is the Newcastle solution," he said.

The Newcastle solution includes 1am lock-outs and 3am last drinks.


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Source: AAP


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