Mid North Coast venues and police launch multi-venue barring policy

Licensed venues across the Mid North Coast have partnered with local police to implement an expanded multi-venue barring policy. The initiative, which links the Hastings, Macleay, and Nambucca liquor accords, aims to prevent individuals barred from one establishment from simply moving to another venue in a different town.

Effective as of September 18, the policy is designed to address the transient nature of the local population. Mid North Coast Police licensing sergeant Clint Smallwood stated that by linking the three accords, the region can act as one, ensuring that offenders cannot avoid consequences by traveling north or south along the coast.

Superintendent Shane Cribb of the Mid North Coast Police District emphasized that NSW Police maintains a “zero tolerance” policy for violent, disorderly, or intimidating behavior. The partnership is intended to provide licensees with the ability to hold offenders accountable and ensure the safety of patrons, staff, and the public in licensed precincts.