Eleven of Logan's licensed venues have taken a proactive approach to safety by participating in the Safer Venues Program aimed at reducing violence and antisocial behaviour.
On Friday 28 August at the Beenleigh Events Centre, the participating venues were presented with awards to recognise the efforts made by licensed venues in addressing safety for their patrons, staff and residents.
Deputy Mayor and Safe City Advisory Committee Chairperson, Councillor Russell Lutton (Division 2), said the program looked at ways to reduce injury, violence and street crime in and around licensed venues.
"The program was launched by Queensland Health in partnership with Drug Arm in Toowoomba in 2003, and has been so successful in making participating venues safer that it has now been rolled out in other locations including Fortitude Valley, Pine Rivers and Ipswich,'' he said.
"The program involves a venue audit with consideration given to a range of issues like responsible service of alcohol, fire safety, workplace health and safety, tobacco legislation, security, lighting and access.
"The judges also look at how the environment, inside and outside the venue, is managed as well as how staff are trained to manage the behaviour of patrons.
"From there, a number of recommendations are given on how they could make their establishment safer, such as reducing the number of drinks that can be bought in one transaction, displaying responsible gambling posters and ensuring the safety of designated smoking areas.''
Cr Lutton said the program was voluntary, with each participating venues receiving a gold, silver, bronze or participation award.
"Results from previous Safer Venues programs show that more than half of the venues that participated had made improvements to their safety standards and had seen a reduction in injury and anti-social behaviour,'' he said.
Cr Russell with Logan's Safer Venues Program awardees (L to R) Beenleigh Sports Club - Terry Lynam, Greenbank RSL Tony Beier, Logan Entertainment Centre Craig McCombs; Logan City Tavern - Patrick Brennan, Cr Russell Lutton, Hotel HQ - Clinton Hicks, Fitzy's Loganholme - Matthew Hewer and Tash Schetrum; Beenleigh RSL - Fiona Cossill and Tom Childs.
The 11 Logan participating venues and category classification include:
Gold:
Silver:
- Beenleigh RSL;
- Club Hotel Waterford;
- Hotel HQ, Underwood;
- Fitzy’s Waterford;
- Fitzy’s Loganholme;
- Beenleigh Sports Club.
Bronze:
- Park Ridge Tavern;
- Logan City Tavern;
- Logan Entertainment Centre;
- Beenleigh Bowls & Rec Club.