Anyone convicted of an alcohol-related anti-social behaviour offence could be banned from entering licensed venues under a radical proposal from NSW pubs.
The state government is considering a plea by the pub industry to introduce British-style booze legislation to stem the violence epidemic in pubs and turn responsibility back on to individuals, The Sun-Herald newspaper says.
The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) has said it would also support reintroducing the old Summary Offences Act that gave police powers to crack down on street offences, drunkenness and hooliganism.
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Pubs believe they have been unfairly targeted by police and licensing authorities, with special conditions placed on the state's 48 most violent venues. In Newcastle, a curfew has been trialled in a bid to curb pub violence.
In Britain, the onus has been put back on individuals through anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs). Where alcohol is concerned, being hit with an ASBO can prevent the worst-behaved people from entering licensed premises or even drinking on the street.
AHA chief executive Sally Fielke said the industry needs the support of the government, police and the judiciary to cut anti-social behaviour.
Gaming and Racing Minister Kevin Greene said the government does not yet have a response to AHA proposals.
