Violent crime in pubs and clubs has increased in Armidale since the easing of COVID restrictions, police told the Express following the hospitalisation of an experienced officer on the weekend.
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At around 11pm on Saturday night, an intoxicated 19-year-old man who had been evicted from numerous Armidale pubs was barred entry from yet another.
The local man, who police say has a history of alcohol-related violence, became belligerent, forcing hotel management to call for assistance.
Two officers from Armidale Police Station attended the scene. They issued the young man with a $500 fine for offensive behaviour, advising him to move on to avoid arrest and more severe charges.
The man refused, and a scuffle ensued, during which he knocked a 52-year-old senior constable to the ground and dislocated his shoulder.
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On Sunday morning, the offender was released on strict bail conditions and ordered to appear in Armidale Court next month.
Currently in hospital, the injured police officer will be on restricted duties for many weeks while he recovers.
Armidale Police Station officer-in-charge Inspector Darren Williams said patrons seem to have forgotten they have 'certain responsibilities'.
"Now that the COVID coma is over, everyone is coming out to play," Inspector Williams said.
"So we're reminding everyone that some behaviour is unacceptable and to get rotten and rolling drunk in public places is not going to end well for them."
Insp Williams said he wants to see a barred from one, barred from all policy implemented in Armidale.
The idea is to be discussed at the next local liquor accord meeting, and he says many licensed premises are behind the initiative.
"What that means is anybody dealt with in licensed premises for committing an act of violence, or dangerous activity is barred for three months from all licensed establishments linked to the Armidale liquor accord," Insp Williams said.
"It's an accepted practice by the NSW Liquor and Gaming Authority, and I think New England is one of the last regions to implement it. The program has a significant impact on alcohol-related crime."
The policy benefits the pubs as well as the community Insp Williams said because 'bad behaviour by drunks' can cost pubs the business of good patrons.
"People don't want to watch somebody get on the grog and punch-on with other people causing a disturbance when they're out with their families," he said.
"It spoils it for the licensee, and it spoils it for the patrons, and we have to come in and clean up the mess."
However, apart from the incident on Saturday night, Insp Williams said behaviour during the Anzac Day long weekend was 'pretty good'.
"It is just these stand out issues with fairly serious violence in licensed premises that are on the increase since the relaxation of COVID restrictions," Insp Williams said.
"And we have noticed an increase in intoxication and rowdy behaviour by people on the streets late at night."
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