Docklands is ‘‘designated’’

Extra powers have been given to Victoria Police in an effort to curb an apparent increase in anti-social behaviour in  Docklands.

Consumer Affairs Minister Michel O’Brien said that the increase in licensed venues in Docklands had led to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

“These measures will deliver improved safety for the precinct’s growing number of residents, workers and visitors and help licensees better manage their venues,” Mr O’Brien said.

On May 12 police were given powers to ban troublemakers from the Docklands area for up to 72 hours after Director of Liquor Licensing Mark Brennan declared it a “designated area”.

As reported upon in the February edition of Docklands News, the City of Melbourne supported a bid by Victoria Police to extend these powers in the Docklands.

However Responsible Alcohol Victoria (RAV) showed some concern about percentages of offences presented to the City of Melbourne, and requested figures indicating a rise in public order offences in relation to
licensed venues.

Mr Brennan said there had been instances of alcohol-related violence and disorder in the immediate vicinity of licensed premises.  

He added that the extra powers given to police would be an effective means of preventing further instances of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The new powers enable police at the Docklands to ban individuals suspected of offences such as drunkenness, physical assault, destroying or damaging property and failure to leave licensed premises immediately.