The problem is that some people celebrate a little too much and their behaviour at pubs, clubs comes into question. 

Over Easter the licensing police will be enforcing licensing conditions in the pubs and clubs and bottle shops in the Shoalhaven. 

Police will also be patrolling the CBD, parks, boat ramps and other areas frequented by intoxicated people. 

Let it be known that if you play up in a club, pub or out in public, your actions have consequences and you might find your Easter present is given to you by the local magistrate and not the Easter Bunny, and it won’t be made of chocolate. 

To refresh your memory, if you plan to hit the grog down the local pub or club, here is some sobering information.

Section 77 of the Liquor Act, 2007 (translated into normal English) states:

Staff or police can refuse admission to a licensed premises, or ask you to leave the premises if you are intoxicated, violent, quarrelsome or disorderly, smoke in a non-smoking area, possess or use prohibited drugs or if your presence on the premises renders the licensee liable to a penalty under the Act.

If you have been refused admission or asked to leave, then you have to leave the area immediately. Do not stay and argue the point because further sanctions may ensue. You could be issued with a penalty notice to the value of $550 or end up in court facing a possible $5500 fine.

If you refuse to comply, a reasonable degree of force as may be necessary may be used to turn a person out of licensed premises. You must stay beyond a 50-metre peripheral boundary away from the premises.

A person who has been refused admission to, or turned out of, licensed premises in accordance with this section must not re-enter or attempt to re-enter the premises within 24 hours of being refused admission or being turned out. Again, failing to comply is also a $550 penalty notice or face a possible $5500 fine at court.

Simply be responsible when you have a drink at Easter. 

Don’t play up or you may find yourself facing the magistrate in the Nowra Local Court which is the opposite of fun.

Do not drink and drive.

As always, in case of emergency, call triple-zero. For non-emergencies contact the police link on 131 444 or your local police. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. For domestic and family violence information visit www.police.nsw.gov.au or contact Shoalhaven domestic violence officers on 4421 9666 or 4421 9665 or email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au.

That’s it for this week.

Don’t forget. Cops are tops.