Late Night Lockout Laws: evaluating responses to alcohol-fuelled violence

Abstract

In October 2013, the South Australian government introduced the Late Night Trading Code of Practice ('the Code') as a means of reducing incidences of alcohol-related violence and antisocial behaviour in and around late night licensed venues in South Australia. Adelaide's notorious West End club district was especially targeted following a spate of brutal attacks including cowardly 'king hits'. In support of the move, then Minister for Business Services and Consumers, John Rau, issued a media release citing statistics which indicated there were 12 500 hospital admissions and 600 deaths attributable to alcohol in the state annually. Mr Rau also noted South Australia Police data demonstrating that the demand for police and health resources responding to alcoholrelated issues was at its greatest in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday mornings. Alcohol, and the trading hours of the late night venues which served it, were said to be the problem.