Tasmania Police aim to highlight the message of responsible drinking to young people when Operation Unite returns to entertainment districts this weekend.

Operation Unite: A Blitz on Drunken Violence is a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers associated with excessive drinking.

“Most public place assaults occur between midnight and 6am on Saturdays and Sundays, and are often related to alcohol,” said the Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

There will be an increased and highly visible presence in entertainment precincts in Devonport, Burnie, Launceston and Hobart on Friday and Saturday night. 

Police will also increase their visits to licensed premises to check compliance with requirements under the Liquor Licensing Act 1990, including enforcing the Responsible Service of Alcohol. 

“Police will be spreading the message that young people should be aware of how much they are drinking, and look after their friends when they are out at night,” said Mr Hine.

“In Hobart, there will be a focus on members of sport teams who arrive in entertainment districts already intoxicated.  The result can be fights and anti-social behaviour.”

The Police Licensing Unit has been liaising with sport clubs, which often have licensed premises, about the responsible service of alcohol.

Tasmania has the highest proportion of young people who drink alcohol at risky or high-risk levels (19.8%), above the Australian proportion of 15.3%. (ABS, Australian Social Trends, 2008)

Police also remind people of the Sale or Supply of Alcohol to Youths legislation which supports a responsible approach by parents, guardians and other adults who choose to supply young people with alcohol.

Statistics

• In 2009, 56% of public place assault victims were aged between 20-44.   31% were aged between 10 – 19.  68% of victims were male.
• In 2009, 51% of public place assault offenders were aged between 20 -44.  42% were aged between 10 – 19.