One solution might be to have more suburban pubs with the longer hours. This will spread the drunks out and people with existing grudges are less likely to cross paths. In addition, presently, drunken idiots can be kicked out of one club, walk 100mtrs and get in somewhere else. If they are kicked out of the only club in the suburb, it is more of a deterent.

I think we may well need to consider a 'legal limit' while in a public place. Let's say, .1. To much to drive, but not to much to be intoxicated to the extent whereby they become vilent. After all, anyone wanting to go out, have a few drinks with the mates won't be effected by a limit of .1.

Perhaps you should have to provide a sample before being served.

Police would be better for it as there would be less trouble and most decent caring people wouldn't be bothered at all.

But, as always, the decent caring people are not the ones causing the problems, are they!

Some very good ideas.

It would be interesting to see which one is tried first.

Pericles,
You must be older than I thought, to remember 6 O'Clock closing. I was not old enough to drink when that ended, and yes it was a swill.

It is easy enough to get into a fight in a pub/club. An accidental bump or spilt drink, etc. Alcohol effects people differently. There are happy drunks and some that simply want to fight and they go looking for it, any excuse will do. These types a a big problem.

Two questions.
1. Is there not self regulation now on pubs/clubs not supposed to serve drunks more drinks? Perhaps that is like doing away with speed limits and asking drivers to drive sensibly! After all, the publican is in business to make money from the sale of drinks.

2. I had forgotten about the Newcastle trial, can someone please refresh me on this and is it still going and the results?

Interesting thread. Taking all points into consideration, I think benk has come up with the best suggestion so far.

Banjo - I heard something on the radio recently (this morning, ABC I think) about the Newcastle trial. From what I recall, it's been quite a success in terms of reducing crime, but devastating for venues - several of which have recently shut their doors.

Mind you, I'm rarely seen in a pub after 8 o'clock, and I haven't been to a nightclub in years - so what would I know really? My 20 year old student son doesn't drink or do drugs and nightclubs, so I have no insight there either :(

I'm not sure that early closure is the answer.

I agree with Pericles that nighclub operators
must take responsibility as well. They should
ensure that their staff encourage and monitor
responsible drinking -
not binge drinking by their patrons.

Patrons also who come into the city must
take responsibility for their actions.
Attitudes need to change. A stronger police
presence around our entertainment precincts
especially in the city on Friday and Saturday
nights in summer would be a good idea. As would
police vans fitted with cameras stationed at hot
spots.

Another part of the problem could be the lack of
cabs around closing times - as well as the unavailability
of public transport. This encourages anti-social
behaviour.