Vic: Police will be out in force on New Year's Eve

AAP General News (Australia)
12-30-2003
Vic: Police will be out in force on New Year's Eve

MELBOURNE, Dec 30 AAP - Police will be out in force at known hotspots around Victoria
this New Year's Eve.

Additional officers have been assigned to popular New Year's Eve destinations, including
Melbourne's CBD, the Mornington and Bellarine peninsulas, Geelong and the Surf Coast.

Victoria Police Acting Chief Commissioner Bill Kelly said the beefed up police presence
would help ensure a safer environment for New Year's Eve revellers.

"New Year's Eve should be a time for family and friends to get together and celebrate
the festive season," he said.

"Our aim is to ensure people are aware of their responsibilities so that a good time
can be had by all."

Commissioner Kelly also warned police would be strongly enforcing local municipal by-laws
that banned drinking in public places, lighting fires or camping in undesignated areas.

Anyone caught drinking in a public area would receive a $100 on-the-spot fine.

"We are encouraging parents to be fully informed about their children's activities
as we will be tackling underage drinking," he said.

"Pubs and clubs can also expect to come under police scrutiny to make sure they are
complying with liquor licensing regulations and serving alcohol responsibility."

Mr Kelly said police hoped to see a repeat of the good behaviour displayed by revellers
last year.

He said party-goers could also expect a full contingent of booze buses on Victorian
roads, both in country and metropolitan areas, and warned anyone caught drink driving
would face serious consequences.

"People should go and enjoy New Year's Eve, but don't damage yourself or cause any
violence to anyone," Commissioner Kelly said.

AAP kh/gfr/cbs/de

KEYWORD: EVE POLICE

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