Binge ban

By Nicole Williams
PARTS of Dandenong have been declared a designated area, giving police powers to ban troublemakers.
Last week, Director of Liquor Licensing Mark Brennan declared a designated area in Dandenong to ban troublemakers from being near licensed premises in the area for up to 72 hours.
“I believe that alcohol-related violence or disorder has occurred in a public place that is in the immediate vicinity of licensed premises within the designated area,” Mr Brennan said.
He said the declaration of the designated area would be an effective means of reducing or preventing alcohol-related violence or disorder in the area.
The declaration came after a request from local police.
Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O’Brien welcomed the decision and said it would enable police to more effectively tackle public order issues.
“This initiative will give police the power to act quickly to prevent crime before it happens and address alcohol-related violence in and around licensed premises,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The declaration of a designated area in Dandenong allows police to issue notices banning troublemakers for up to 72 hours from licensed premises or from the entire designated area.”
Police will have the power to ban a person within the designated area for up to 72 hours for offences like drunkenness, physical assault, offensive behaviour, sexual offences, damaging property and failure to leave licensed premises.
Police can also seek a court order to ban repeat offenders for up to one year.
The designated area includes the area from the corner of Potter Street and Princes Highway in the north to the corner of Lonsdale Street and Plunkett Road, and from the corner of Cheltenham Road and Pickett Street in the west to the corner of King Street and Stud Road.
Dandenong Retail Traders’ Association also supported the declaration to provide a safe entertainment environment and reduce incidents of alcohol-related violent offences.
Dandenong Retail Traders’ Association chairman Roy Aspinall said the declaration would address the community’s desire to restore the reputation of Dandenong as a multicultural entertainment and restaurant precinct.
For more information about the designated area in Dandenong visit the Department of Justice website, www.justice.vic.gov.au.
Victoria Police Inspector Chris Major is a specialist on designated areas and will speak at the traders’ association’s May general meeting on Tuesday 3 May to explain the declaration.
For more information about the meeting call Roy Aspinall on 9793 3487.