More than 100 licensing breaches have been detected during inspections at more than 1000 licensed venues as part of a high-visibility operation targeting alcohol-related crime and COVID-Safety compliance across regional NSW.
Operation Pariac is a high-visibility operation regularly conducted by general duties and specialist licensing police in the Northern, Southern and Western regions, targeting alcohol-related crime, anti-social behaviour, public order incidents and assaults.
In 2020, the operation was broadened to include compliance around current Public Health Orders.
On Friday 11 December and Saturday 12 December 2020, officers across regional NSW conducted inspections to ensure venues and patrons were aware of their responsibilities to maintain a COVID-safe environment as restrictions continue to ease.
During the operation;
- 65 people were arrested and 68 charges were laid for offences including assault, resist arrest, possess prohibited drug and malicious damage
- 1056 business inspections were conducted
- 146 breaches of the Liquor and Gaming Act were detected, with 37 infringements issued
- 19 COVID-19 related warnings, with no infringements issued
- 369 RSA Competency Card and 132 security licence checks were undertaken, and
- 1165 RBTs conducted with 35 PCAs detected.
Operation Pariac Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell, said he is pleased that the majority of venues understand and are complying with all the required COVID procedures and Public Health Orders.
"As more people travel throughout the state, we must stay aware of COVID-19 and continue to practice good hygiene and social distancing," Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
"It's great to see so many publicans and licensees following all the relevant Public Health Order regulations whilst maintaining a safe and vibrant venue for patrons over the festive season.
"Licensing police will be following up with those venues who are not abiding by the Liquor and Gaming Act to ensure summer in the regions is safe and enjoyable for all," Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
REGION BREAKDOWN
Northern:
Arrests – 14
Charges – 13
Business inspections – 440
Liquor and Gaming infringements – 16
Move on directions – 20
COVID-19 related warnings – 12
Possess/supply drug – 8
RBT conducted – 202
PCA – 11
Southern:
Arrests – 26
Charges – 30
Business inspections – 360
Liquor and Gaming infringements – 15
Move on directions – 26
COVID-19 related warnings – 7
Possess/supply drug – 6
RBT conducted – 349
PCA – 8
Western:
Arrests – 25
Charges – 25
Business inspections – 256
Liquor and Gaming infringements – 6
Move on directions – 16
COVID-19 related warnings – 4
Possess/supply drug – 3
RBT conducted – 613
PCA – 16
Anyone with information about alcohol-related crime or who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
