2AM Lockout, Did we win?
Did we win? I’d say mostly yes but with concessions.
I’ve never been to a protest..well not on purpose anyway. I rocked up at about 5:45 and by 6:10 it was over. I was very surprised to see a huge turnout of around 3000-4000 people acting very calm and supportive. The protest had some excellent speakers who put the points across to the crowd.
As of this afternoon, 80 venues have successfully received exemption from the 2AM lockout. The catch? Venues have to double its security staff and they can not promote the fact that they have an exemption. Yes, more bald headed 100KG bouncers are the solution. There is a reason we have trained police instead of putting gorillas on every street corner. Off the top of my head, I can only think of one venue that has bouncers (sorry I mean licensed crowd controllers), that are inviting to its patrons and can hold a normal conversation (Melbourne Central Lion Hotel).
Today’s Herald Sun features a bouncer kicking a guy laying on the pavement. Yes, he did break up another beating and good on him but surely we can’t have private individuals/companies being judge, jury and executor. Also in the paper this weekend was the lack of police officers in many areas of Melbourne. Are we seeing a trend here? The government is essentially getting venues to foot the bill for bouncers to serve as police. Once again, the government misses the fact that fights happen ON THE STREET…one more time..ON THE STREET. How in the hell will having more bouncers in a venue prevent violence in the street?
Be proud of your asshat government. Hell, maybe we should get Connex to manage Melbourne’s nightlife.
Herald Sun: Wild brawls in Melbourne’s CBD as clubs fight 2am ban
Call me conservative but:
1. If bouncers happen to be meatheads, it’s not ideal, but it’s not a great concern either. I don’t go to venues to hang with the bouncers, I see them for 1 second as I enter, and another second as I leave. No biggie.
2. Saying that fights happen on the streets not in the venues is kinda passing the buck. Venues have a responsibility for the situation they create, even if it’s on their doorstep, not inside – you can’t just empty the patrons’ pockets, kick them out when they’re too pissed, and disclaim responsibility for ensuing violence.
3. I’d rather venues pay their financial share of this responsibility, than have the public foot the bill for police who have to spend an inordinate amount of time dealing with pissed dudes in the city. I say let the private sector gorillas/bouncers help out with beating us up in the CBD, and let the public sector gorillas/cops get back to their parallel role in the burbs.
Oh and by the way, it’s not like I agree with the 2am lockout. That would just be crazy talk.
Neil, I’d vote for the Australian government – libs or labor, state or federal – anyday over the Singaporean government. I don’t care if Australia introduces tougher foreigner laws, bans alcopops or puts a 10pm night curfew. Australian government >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>fucking PAP regime.
@gabe,
1) I hate to stereotype bouncers but I try saying "Hello, How are you?" to most of them and end up getting some form of a grunt. I mean its just strange. Go to Lygon Street or anywhere and restaurants are trying to get you in the door and are inviting. Most businesses will make you want to come in. Bars,clubs, and venues have huge bouncers who could kill you with their pinky at the door giving you dirty looks. Oh and I might add, I’ve seen bouncers beat patrons up outside.
Let me also add The Purple Emerald has a normal and inviting bouncer as well. So make that 2 venues that are the exception.
2) What can venues do to cut down on violence. Idiots will be idiots. It’s a mentality that was there before they had a drink. Now, if they are so drunk, they are starting fights, then they should call the police. But are you saying you want the bouncers protecting the streets? Like a private mafia?
3) Right..Just for the record, I went to a bar the other day and had a beer. $10 for a pint…yes I shit you not. Im finding just to get a beer, its in the $7-8 range…for a freaking Carlton.
There’s the lockout issue and then there is the youth and violence issue. Youths/Violence is a whole another issue which can be debated for hours.