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2008/21: Should Melbourne impose a permanent 2.00am lockout on clubs, bars and hotels?<BR>

2008/21: Should Melbourne impose a permanent 2.00am lockout on clubs, bars and hotels?

What they said...
'I believe that the 2am lock out will have an extremely negative effect on the Melbourne community and the viability of entertainment venues'
Carlo Colosimo, the licensee of Lounge Melbourne

'The current strategy appears to be just promoting the city as an all night binge drinking venue, which could not be attractive to most visitors to the city'
'Working Together for Melbourne Forum', August, 2007

The issue at a glance
In May, 2008, the Victorian Government announced it would impose a lockout across the major municipalities of the city of Melbourne, the city of Yarra, the city of Port Phillip and the city of Stonnington.
Starting in June, 2008, Melbourne drinkers were banned from entering bars, pubs and nightclubs after 2am. Under the lockout, patrons were banned from entering 487 inner-city venues after 2am. The curfew was aimed at reducing the rise in violent, alcohol-related assaults. Violent assaults rose by about 17.5 per cent in Melbourne in the last year.
Exemptions were put in place for The floor of Crown Casino, restaurants and clubs such as RSL clubs.
The scheme followed similar lockouts in the Victorian regional cities of Ballarat, Warrnambool and Bendigo, as well as in Queensland, which Mental Health Minister Lisa Neville said had succeeded in reducing violence.
The lockout was a trial which ended on Tuesday, September 2, 2008. Throughout is operation, there were many who vocally opposed the curfew. The Victorian Government has yet to decide whether it will impose a lockout in Melbourne on an ongoing basis.

Background
Lockouts and curfews - term definition
The terms 'lockout' and 'curfew' are sometimes used as though they are interchangeable. Where this occurs the meaning is usually that patrons are unable to enter a premise after a specified time, though the premises can continue to serve those patrons who are already inside. The phrase 'entry curfew' is also sometimes used with this meaning. Thus the 2.00am lockout (or curfew)trialled in Melbourne meant that patrons were not able to enter premises after this time.
In some instances 'curfew' appears to have a different meaning. The 3.30 am curfew that operates in Newcastle, for example, refers to premises actually closing at this time.
The more common definition of 'curfew' is a regulation requiring certain or all people to leave the streets or be at home at a prescribed hour.

Victoria
The 2am lockout, was the latest in a series of moves intended to combat binge drinking and alcohol-fueled violence in inner-Melbourne.
The main targets for the lockout were the city nightclub precincts, but it also covered four inner-Melbourne local government areas.
The Victorian premier, Mr John Brumby, claimed that a surge in assaults and binge drinking justified the strict new regulations.
The curfew was trialled from June 3, 2008, to September 2, 2008.
Lockouts are already in place in Bendigo, Ballarat and Warrnambool.

Western Australia
Lockout proposals for parts of Perth have been discussed in Western Australia for over a year.
It was intended that any such strategy would work in conjunction with other measures, such as an increase in public transport, to combat anti-social behaviour.
A number of strategies had been recommended to the Perth Accord, outlining strategies to combat drunken and violent behaviour in Northbridge. These included a lockout from 2am for hotels and 5am for nightclubs on Friday and Saturday nights.
However, in September, 2008, Accord members voted against introducing a curfew by a margin of 10-9.
City of Fremantle environmental health and building services co-ordinator Matthew Piggott also noted in September, 2008, that the commitment shown by licensees, the police and government agencies to the principles of the Fremantle Accord was helping to minimise the rate of alcohol-related incidents in the port city.
Mr Piggott said licensees in Fremantle continued to promote responsible service of alcohol and harm minimisation strategies in an attempt to prevent such incidents. 'As a result, lockouts are not on the agenda at this point in time,' he noted.

New South Wales
On July 1, 2008, the Liquor Act 2007, and its accompanying regulations, came into force in New South Wales.
A new administrative authority called the Casino, Liquor and Gaming Control Authority (the Authority) has been created to deal with all liquor licence applications and disciplinary matters. The Authority will replace the current Liquor Administration Board and Licensing Court of New South Wales.
The Authority has promised to administer a more transparent administrative system, while providing for more expansive enforcement powers in the hands of the Director. The Director will determine disturbance complaints, impose conditions on liquor licences and declare lockouts and curfews.
It has been suggested that the new liquor act may result in a more general imposition of curfews and lockouts in New South Wales.
Currently a lockout applies to selected premises in Newcastle. A 1.30am lockout and a 3.30am curfew currently applies. The lockout denies entrance to designated premises after 1.30am; while the curfew meant that the selected premises had to be closed by this time. Alcohol was not to be served on these premises after 3.00am.
Licensing supervisor Sergeant Wayne Buck, of the Newcastle City police local area command, said assaults in Newcastle and Newcastle West had dropped by between 19 and 42 per cent late at night and early in the morning on weekends.
There have been calls for an extension of the Newcastle arrangements into Sydney and some other cities within the state. In January 2008 Sydney began a voluntary six month trial of a 3.00am lockout.

Queensland
Queensland has a 3.00am curfew, though there are widespread exemption. Under the Liquor Act 1992, venues with an On-premises (Cabaret) licence are allowed to trade until 3am and those wishing to trade beyond this time must apply for an extended hours permit, renewable every six months. Extended hours permits are only granted with certain provisions that must be met. These provisions often include a lock-out condition.
Brisbane
From 29 April 2005 all licensed premises in the Brisbane City Council area are subject to a 3am lock-out. This condition, implemented under the Liquor Amendment Act 2005, will be trialled for a period of 12 months.
Patrons who are inside licensed premises at the time the lock-out commences may stay until the close of trade but no other patrons will be allowed to enter or re-enter after that time.
Gold Coast
From 1 April 2004, a 3am lock-out applies to all late night licensed premises on the Gold Coast.
Patrons who are inside licensed premises at the time the lock-out commences may stay until the close of trade but no other patrons will be allowed to enter or re-enter after that time.
Sunshine Coast
In 1996 Mooloolaba licensees began trialling a voluntary 1.30am curfew in an attempt to stop 'club hopping' and curb anti-social behaviour in the streets.
Since December 2003, the curfew has been a condition on all applicable Mooloolaba licenses following an agreement between the Liquor Licensing Division and local licensees that it was necessary to regulate trading practices by imposing enforcement measures.
Cairns
Lock-out conditions commenced in the Cairns CBD on 1 December 2002.
As a result, all nightclubs in Cairns close at 3am from Sunday to Thursday and licensees are allowed to trade until 5am on Friday and Saturday nights but lock-out provisions apply from 3am on those two nights.
Patrons who are inside licensed premises at the time the lock-out commences may stay until the close of trade but no other patrons will be allowed to enter or re-enter after that time.
Similar restrictions to the above apply at Towneville, Rockhampton and Mackay.

Internet information
On September 2, 2008, The Herald Sun published a series opinions on the effectiveness of the trial 2.00am lockout. The piece is titled 'Did the trial lockout on some licensed premises in the city work?'
The full text can be found at http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24278003-5000117,00.html

On September 5, 2008, the Melbourne Nightlife Blog gave an overview of a range of opinions on the effectiveness of the recently concluded trial of the Melbourne lockout. It gives an overview of the police response, the government's response, the opposition response and the public response. The full text can be found at http://melbournenightlife.blogspot.com/2008/09/2am-lockout-expired.html

On September 16, 2008, the community newspaper, Progress Leader, published an article titled 'End the violence'. It outlines a community education program designed to increase awareness of the dangers of alcohol and street violence. The full text of the article can be read at http://progress-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/end-the-violence2/

On October 3, 2008, the ABC news ran a report on the possibility of a new alcohol ban being imposed in Melbourne. The item was titled, 'City alcohol bans proposed'. The full text of the article can be found at http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/03/2381213.htm

On October 3, 2008, the ABC news ran a report on the failure of a combined summit of police, licensees and government representatives to arrive at a solution to Melbourne's alcohol and violence problems. The report was titled, 'Summit fails to deliver alcohol violence fix'. It can be read at http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/03/2381912.htm

On October 3, 2008, the ABC news ran a report on the decision by a combined summit of police, licensees and government representatives to imposed a limited and voluntary ban on the serving of alcohol at some Melbourne venues. The article was titled, 'Vic won't fully ban 'Aussie' shout'
The text can be read at http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/03/2381708.htm

Arguments against a 2.00am lockout for Melbourne's pubs, clubs and bars
1. The trial curfew did not succeed in reducing street violence
Melbourne's 2am lockout appears to have been a failure. Police figures reveal a sharp increase in the number of assaults during its first month.
Liquor Licensing Victoria introduced the three-month trial lockout at the start of June to try to reverse a growing trend of violence around the city's nightlife scene. However, Victoria Police figures show a rise in the number of assaults in June compared with the corresponding period last year. Reported assaults in the City of Melbourne City rose by 18 per cent to 211 for the month while property damage reports jumped 26 per cent to 164.
Police refused to release statistics for this month and last, saying they would not be made public until next year. The increased violence comes despite the Safe Streets Taskforce putting an extra 50 uniformed police on to the city's streets since October last year.
Association of Liquor Licensing Melbourne secretary, Mr Brian Frewin, has claimed the figures were 'damning evidence' that the lockout had failed. 'One of our biggest fears when opposing the lockout was that if you stop people from entering nightclubs or bars, then it's going to engender some violence,' Mr Frewin said.
It has been claimed that increased street traffic was a major outcome of these new laws. The Melbourne Locked Out Official Protest coalition has stated that on the Gold Coast when these laws were introduced people spilled out of the nightclubs and onto the street causing police to be overrun with violence and disorderly behaviour.
Christopher Bantick in an opinion piece published in the Tasmanian Mercury newspaper claimed, 'In Melbourne, the 2am lockout and no re-entry to clubs and pubs after that hour have resulted in a substantial increase in street violence. The punters, who may already be drunk, are angry. The reality is that clubs are increasingly refusing to comply. Chaos is the outcome.'

2. The causes of the city's drinking and violence problems are more deep-seated
It has further been suggested that a curfew is at best a cosmetic solution, aimed at removing short-term trouble spots rather than tackling the fundamental problem. According to this line of argument, what any government should be concerned to do is not so much shift the problem off our streets at particular times of day as to address the fundamental causes of our society's irresponsible drinking behaviours.
Some critics claim that this is an education problem, not a problem to be dealt with via prohibition alone.
Health experts have indicated they want the Victorian Government's ministerial task force to back a broad range of measures to deal with the alcohol problem, covering advertising, mixed alcoholic drinks, higher prices and strategies to confront a culture of binge drinking.
It has been suggested that the problem is at least as much one of poor social education as it is one that can be dealt with via bans. Some claim that all the curfew is likely to do is move the problem off the streets. It will not prevent it occurring.
It has also been suggested that the Victorian Government needs to supply more infrastructure and service support, rather than to simply impose a curfew. Carlo Colosimo, the licensee of Lounge Melbourne has stated,'The infrastructure now required to support [Melbourne's entertainment] culture is not just about regulating venue operators alone it is about providing more police present, dealing with the small percentage of offenders more thoroughly, more transport options, sobering up centres, more public toilet facilities. Marketing campaigns that promote better behavior of those patrons that for what ever reason misbehave.'

3. The curfew is an unwelcome limitation on the freedom of Melbournians
The Melbourne Locked Out Official Protest coalition stated that the curfew was an 'Infringement on people's rights to visit the venues of their choice, at their times of choice. The fact that these places can operate at a profit proves that there is a market for people who like to listen to rare, unique music at all hours of the night. Melbourne is a 24 hours city and not all people work 9-5. Shift workers, hospitality workers and general night owl's are being discriminated against and forced to go to the casino.'
The protest group also stated that the curfew was an infringement of the rights of hospitality workers. 'The government has failed to take into account the ramifications this will have on hospitality workers. Most of these people work hard all night so Melbournians can socialise after a hard weeks work. Are they themselves not entitled to socialise with their co-workers and friends after they finish scrubbing our dishes, cleaning our glasses, serving us drinks and taking our orders?'
Christopher Bantick in an opinion piece published in the Tasmanian Mercury newspaper claimed, 'What lockouts do is penalise those publicans and club proprietors who try to do the right thing and manage their crowds sensibly and, more critically, refuse to serve drunk patrons with further alcohol.'

4. The curfew will have a negative impact on tourism and the hospitality industry
It has been claimed that Melbourne's nightlife is a key element of te city's tourist appeal and a major component of what makes the city viable for the hospitality industry established there.
The Melbourne Locked Out Official Protest coalition has stated, 'Melbourne doesn't have an Opera house, or a Harbour Bridge, or world famous beaches. It does have a world famous cultural nightlife and musical hub that is going to be taken away from us and handed over to other cities eager to emulate us.'
The Official Protest group has also stated, 'Melbourne has a reputation as a cosmopolitan city - most liveable , best Australian tourist destination- we should be preserving this and not letting an unelected premier destroy our city.
Tourism in Melbourne is at an all time high. The two main reasons for this are shopping and nightlife.
Melbourne is a 24-hour city and has spent millions telling the world this.'
I believe that the 2am lockouts are very poor solution in response to the occurrence of violence and disruption caused by a minority of public.
Carlo Colosimo, the licensee of Lounge Melbourne has stated, 'The authorities do not seem to have taken into consideration what work has gone into developing a sophisticated vibrant culture in Melbourne for socialising. Something that on the whole is of great benefit to the community at large and to the economy. And the envy of other cities.
I believe that the 2am lock out will have an extremely negative effect on the Melbourne community and the viability of entertainment venues.'
It has been claimed that the curfew had a negative impact on the city's hospitality industry and all who work within it. The Official Protest group stated , before the curfew was put in place, 'Bartenders, security, venue owners/operators will all lose revenue as working hours decrease and there is less money to go around in a recessive saturated industry. In unsure economic times like today, is it fair to cripple an industry that so many working families and students rely on for their income?'
The Melbourne secretary of the Association of Liquor Licensing Melbourne, Mr Brian Frewin, has stated that the lockout had succeeded in reducing city businesses' profits.
'It's not just licensed venues saying it has damaged business,' Mr Frewin said. 'We've had non-licensed businesses like McDonalds and Hungry Jacks complain that they are losing up to half of their normal night time trade as well.'

5. The curfew will never be properly implemented because of favouritism to the gambling industry
It has been claimed that if a curfew were going to be implemented then it should have included the Crown Casino area as this area has a history of violence.
It has been claimed that the Crown Casino, far from being a relatively violence-free area, has been a major cause of concern. It has been claimed that there have been some 1200 assaults since 2002 in the Southbank district.
In 2003 it was reported that a cleaner working for Crown Casino was stabbed in an incident which served to highlight the long-standing complaints of the cleaners union about the real fears they face.
Mr Terry Breheny, the assistant secretary of the hospitality workers' union, stated, 'Crown Casino might be able to contract out its cleaning services to save money - but they cannot contract out their responsibility to these workers, and the patrons. Our people should be free from fear at work. The violence, abuse and threats are a daily problem faced by Crown Casino cleaners. The scale of this growing problem is something which Casino management must now face.'
Those opposing the curfew have claimed that it has been unfairly and ineffectively implemented because of the Government's dependence on gambling taxation revenue and that it is for this reason that areas such as the Crown Casino district were exempt.
The Melbourne Locked Out Official Protest coalition has asked, 'Where does Mr Brumby's agenda lie with the gaming industry? Why can Crown Casino nightclubs that have a history of violence operate outside these laws simply because they fall under the umbrella of the Crown Casino? The reason nobody goes to Crown Casino nightclubs is because of the people that go there and the violence they bring with them. Now people will be forced to go there and most likely be funnelled into the gambling areas.'

Arguments in favour of a 2.00am lockout for Melbourne's clubs, pubs and bars
1. The trial was inconclusive because it was improperly conducted
Some supporters of the curfew have stated that it is not possible to say how effective the curfew was as the trial was not properly conducted.
Some supporters of the curfew have claimed that the large number of exceptions meant that the trial was effectively sabotaged from the start as key areas which should have been included, such as the Crown casino district, were not. Almost a quarter of Melbourne's licensed venues were given exemptions from the curfew. More than a hundred clubs and bars were granted a temporary exemption after a hearing in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) the day before the ban was put in place. Others were granted exemptions after this.
The Victorian Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu has claimed, 'John Brumby's lockout was a shambles. The implementation was a total failure, with so many exemptions that any lessons we might have learnt to help fight against record street violence were undermined.'

2. A curfew would not unduly restrict Melbournians' entertainment opportunities
It has been stressed that the curfew did not effect opening hours or people who were already within clubs, bars or hotels. Once people had arrived at an entertainment venue their opportunity to enjoy themselves was in no way limited. Clubs were not being required to close or to cease to serve alcohol at 2.00am. All that was required of clubs and other venues was that they do not accept new patrons after 2.00am.
The Victorian premier, Mr Brumby, stated, when the trial of the curfew was begun, 'It will not affect people already in venues or change opening hours, but it will reduce what we call "venue hopping" by large groups of young and often drunken people, which police tell us is the major cause of violent behaviour on Melbourne's streets.'
The government repeatedly stated that the intention of the ban was not to curb Melbournians recreational opportunities; it was intended simply to make them safer.

3. Youths moving from one venue to another have been identified as a major cause of violence
A Government taskforce is believed to have responded to calls by police to clamp down on gangs of drunken youths on pub crawls in inner Melbourne. It has been claimed that these groups of intoxicated youths move from one club to another and often cause violence on the streets as they do so.
Another cause of concern is reported to have been the large number of drunk smokers congregating outside pubs and clubs.
The lock-out will last for five hours. It has been claimed this will give police time to clear the streets and will allow time for the drunken youths to sober up
Police have noted a dramatic increase in CBD assaults, with a 17.5 per cent increase over the 2006-07 financial year. Crime experts have calculated that 47 per cent of all people accused of assault are affected by alcohol and 43 per cent of victims are also under the influence.
Recent photographs of violence occurring outside Melbourne clubs also lent support to Victorian Government claims that a curfew was necessary. A photograph of a bouncer aiming a kick at a man outside the Bar 20 strip club in King Street printed in Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper strengthened calls for a curfew. The premier, Mr Brumby, said he was appalled by the photograph and that it added to his determination to press ahead with the government's late night lockout policy.
The premier stated, 'I think anybody who saw the photo ... would be appalled at what's occurring in the early hours of the morning in Melbourne. These graphic photographs, appalling photographs, just confirm that there is an issue.'
Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson has stated that the entire community was responsible for keeping the streets safe. 'There are a small number of licensed pub and club operators who are putting around this line that there's not a violence problem,' he said. 'It's real blood, real violence, and it's a real problem. Anyone who thinks this is a question of finding some scapegoat rather than accepting all of us have some responsibility is kidding themselves.'
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Steve Fontana said curbing night-time alcohol-related street violence was one of the biggest challenges facing police. Police have said that alcohol had been a factor in up to 80 per cent of the 2133 assaults reported in the City of Melbourne alone in 2007-08.

4. Many Melbournians want limitations imposed on access to alcohol in the city
It has been claimed that the voices raised in opposition to the 2.00am curfew are not representative of how a majority of Victorians feel.
The Victorian premier, Mr Brumby, has said he was recently approached by a prominent County Court judge who strongly backed the Government's move to impose a 2am lockout.
'He said (he supported it) because every week in his work he sees young people who have destroyed their lives; young people who've been so drunk they've committed a terrible crime that they would otherwise not commit.
They've assaulted someone or permanently injured someone, and they're up before the courts, and the rest of their life is ruined.'
It has been suggested that the most vigorous opposition to the curfew came from within the hospitality industry and that a majority of people do not share this view. Herald Sun commentator, Robyn Riley, has stated, 'It's hardly surprising that there would be opposition to the proposed 2am nightclub lock-out in Melbourne and that it's being led by the nightclub industry. After all, it has the most to lose and will fight anything that threatens to take money out of its pockets.
But most people want to see the Government doing something about the appalling amount of late-night street crime in the city; they want regulators to exercise some form of control.'
Mr Brian Kearney, the chief executive of the Australian Hotels Association, has stated, 'Many in the community are concerned about the levels of anti-social behaviour and most agree that it's about time something serious happened.'
Mr Kearney has stated that he believes that the community would support a ban on further liquor licences being granted to venues in the CBD. Mr Kearney has stated, 'It will create the opportunity for the initiatives of the State Government and the City of Melbourne to have effect without continually chasing their tail. As they do something, new bars open and the whole issue just becomes more problematic.'

5. The city's reputation could be damaged by frequent alcohol-related violent incidents
Supporters of the curfew have argued that if the problem of violence in Melbourne's entertainment precincts cannot be adequately addressed then the city's reputation as a desirable place to come will be damaged both within Australia and overseas.
The Victorian premier, Mr Brumby warned all venue owners they needed to take a share of the responsibility for the problem.
'They all say it's someone else's fault, they all say it's the bouncers' fault, they all say it's young kids abusing alcohol, Mr Brumby said. 'The fact is, everybody has a responsibility here to work together to solve, I believe, what is a solveable problem, but a problem which is damaging Melbourne's reputation and most importantly is damaging the lives of young Victorians.'
Herald Sun commentator Robyn Riley has stated that Melbourne's reputation is far more at risk from drunken violence on the streets than it is from a 2.00am curfew aiming to prevent patrons moving from one hotel, bar or club and going to another after that time in the morning. Ms Riley has stated, 'Please spare us the rhetoric of nightclub industry spokesman David Butten, who claims the lock-out will "damage the industry and Melbourne's reputation". What? More than vicious, unprovoked attacks by drunken louts?'
At a 'Working Together for Melbourne Forum' held in August 2007, it was stated, '
There is no doubt violence, vandalism and other disturbance associated with excess alcohol consumption is increasing in the city - as is Council''s approval of late night liquor permit applications. The drinking is not just at licensed premises, but drinking on the street also appears to be increasing ... more and larger groups of males [are] roaming the streets drinking.
Council says Melbourne is an "international city and aims to operate 24 hours a day" - but the current strategy appears to be just promoting the city as an all night binge drinking venue, which could not be attractive to most visitors to the city.'

Further implications
The Victorian government has yet to announce whether the lockout provisions that were trialled will be extended and perhaps made permanent. Both critics and supporters of the lockout have argued that the large number of exemptions granted have made it very difficult to determine the effectiveness of the strategy.
Premier John Brumby immediately after the end of the trial indicated that the Government would not make a decision on the lockout's future until it had reviewed all relevant information. 'I have a completely open mind in the future as to whether we continue with a lockout, similar lockout, maybe a better targeted lockout, a broader lockout... or perhaps no lockout at all,' the premier was reported as saying.
It is now reported that any subsequent lockout would operate from 3.00am under a compromise deal.
The government will investigate whether to back a statewide 3am lockout from licensed premises when it analyses the results of the three-month drinking curfew trial.
Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson is considering the later entry as part of a raft of options to deal with alcohol-related crime.
On October 3, 2008, a summit of club operators, police, state government representatives and the Melbourne City Council failed to come up with any firm resolutions on tackling alcohol related violence in Melbourne's CBD. Some of the ideas raised included more night buses, improved lighting and security at transport hubs, and the development of a city-wide strategic entertainment plan.
The head of Liquor Licensing Australia, Sue McClellan, noted, 'The 2:00am lockout is being evaluated, and it will be examined after the evaluation.'
No one appears to believe that a lockout, in and of itself, is a complete solution to alcohol-related violence in Melbourne and other Australian cities. Alcohol education, better transport facilities, alcohol-free zones in the CBD and a stronger police presence have all been suggested as means of helping to curb what appears to have become an entrenched and concerning aspect of Australian nightlife.
The vocal nature of the opposition to the lockout trialled in Melbourne may make it appear politically unattractive to the Victorian Government, however, alcohol related and violence and in some instances deaths are also likely to be very concerning to Victorian voters and to represent a problem they wish to see addressed. The problem for any government is how to take actions which will have a positive effect an this major social problem without placing unreasonable restrictions on businesses, tourism and Victorians seeking a night's entertainment.

Newspaper items used in the compilation of this issue outline

Herald-Sun: June 10, page 5, news item by B Roberts et al, `Arrests tumble as cops praise lockout'
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,,23838474-2862,00.html

Herald-Sun: June 10, page 18 editorial, 'A fair trial'.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23837336-24218,00.html?from=public_rss

The Age: June 10, page 3, news item (photo) by A Petrie, `Arrests down on first lockout weekend'.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/arrests-down-on-first-lockout-weekend-20080609-2nzm.html

The Age: June 8, page 5, news item (photo) by M Fyfe, `"Quick political fix" unlikely to stop violence'.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/quick-political-fix-unlikely-to-stop-violence-20080607-2na1.html

The Age: June 17, page 3, news item by Cameron Houston, `Court blow for lockout initiative'.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/court-blow-for-lockout-initiative-20080616-2rnu.html

Herald-Sun: June 30, page 18, comment by Dr Stephen Parnis, `Just another boozy night' (in the emregency department).
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,,23941927-5000117,00.html

The Age: July 9, page 1, news item by Stark and Houston, `Lockout policy a failure: experts'.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/experts-call-lockout-a-failure-20080708-3bvx.html

The Age: July 20, page 3, news item by Russell and Elder, `Police crack down on antisocial behaviour'.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/police-crack-down-on-antisocial-behaviour-20080719-3hy6.html

Herald-Sun: August 4, page 20, editorial, `Ban zones welcome'.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24122328-24218,00.html

The Age: August 10, page 1, analysis (photo of Sue Maclellan) by M Bachelard, `Lockout: the woman in the eye of the storm'.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/the-woman-in-the-eye-of-the-lockout-storm-20080809-3sr6.html

The Age: September 3, page 17, comment by Shaun Carney, `In defence of wowserism'.
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/in-defence-of-wowserism-20080902-47yu.html

Herald-Sun: September 2, page 18, editorial, `Premier sees the dark side'.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24278637-24218,00.html

Herald-Sun: September 1, page 6-7, news item by Nick Higginbottom, `Violence soars in CBD fringes'.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24272366-2862,00.html

Herald-Sun: September 1, page 6-7, news item (photo) by John Ferguson, `Premier on beat'.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24272801-2862,00.html

The Age: September 14, page 21, comment by Chris Berg, `Get off the turps: idiots are the problem, not alcohol'.
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/get-off-the-turps-idiots-are-the-problem-not-alcohol-20080913-4fvm.html?page=-1

The Age: September 14, page 20, editorial, `When a drinking culture runs out of control'.
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/editorial/when-a-drinking-culture-runs-out-of-control-20080913-4fx6.html?page=-1