What can be done about alcohol-related public property damage?
To damage public property is an offence and offenders can be arrested and charged with an offence.
Step 1:
If you have witnessed the damage of public property in your community contact your nearest Police station.
Step 2:
Notify your local government if you are aware of damage that has occurred to public property. They are responsible for the repair and maintenance of public property.
If you believe that patrons from one or more licensed venues are contributing to alcohol-related property damage in your community, you can do the following:
Step 3:
Approach the Licensees or Approved Manager. Usually they are willing to discuss your concerns, to maintain good community relations and avoid complaints, which could lead to fines or conditions being imposed upon their licences. Make a written note of all conversations should you need them for future reference.
For a number of valid reasons, people affected by alcohol-related issues are reluctant to take action by themselves. It is a good idea to talk to people in your community to find out if they are experiencing similar problems, how often they are happening and if they are interested in taking action.
If your attempts to solve the problem with the licensed venue are unsuccessful you have a number of options available to you.
Step 4:
Contact your local Police. The Police are responsible for enforcing liquor laws. Police can deal with complaints about breaches of the liquor laws, such as venues serving alcohol to intoxicated people.
Step 5:
Contact your local government. Some local governments have a specific alcohol policy and an alcohol management plan that outlines how they will deal with alcohol-related issues.
Step 6:
Contact the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor . They will be able to provide further information on how to address alcohol-related property damage involving a licensed premise. Complaints can be made on a number of grounds: eg. acts involving damage to property which have frequently been committed on or near the premises by people who have been at a particular licensed venue.
