A national study has found that alcohol remains the significant factor for most harm experienced at entertainment areas. Picture: Thinkstock Source: Supplied
TRADING hours at pubs and clubs should be reduced to curb alcohol-fuelled violence, a major national study has concluded.
Alcohol remains the significant factor for most harm experienced at entertainment areas and responsible serving-of-alcohol measures are insufficient, the study led by Deakin University found.
The study of more than 6800 people in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Geelong and Wollongong was conducted fortnightly between November 2011 and June last year.
Those taking part were breathalyser tested and asked questions about their drinking behaviours, energy drink and illicit drug use and feelings and experiences of aggression.
Pre-drinking before going out is the strongest predictor of harm and intoxication, and almost two-thirds of study participants said they consumed alcohol before going out.
The study found West Australians are the biggest "pre-loaders," with 80 per cent having an average of six drinks before going out, compared to the national average of 65 per cent who have an average of five drinks.
It also found of 1200 people picked randomly in Northbridge and Perth between 10pm and 5am, the average blood alcohol content was 0.066. That figure is double that of Sydneysiders who blew 0.033. Melbourne drinkers recorded an average of 0.048.
The consumption of energy drinks and illicit drugs were also found to contribute to harm and offending behaviour.
Recommendations arising from the study include a levy on bottle shops sales and the banning of multi-buy drink promotions.
The study's lead researcher, Associate Professor Peter Miller, said advertisements promoting alcohol should be followed by health advertisements warning of the dangers of excessive drinking.
"It is time we are all held to account for the risky drinking practices in this country,'' he said.
"Governments, the alcohol industry, bar and nightclub owners and the public all have a responsibility to address this major issue and challenge our culture of condoning and celebrating drunkenness.
"From what has been found with this and previous research we need to seriously consider a number of measures including reduced trading hours, a levy on bottle shop sales and banning multi-buy promotions.''
Assoc Prof Miller said trading restrictions should be imposed consistently across regions to ensure businesses compete on a level playing field.
Prohibiting alcohol sales one hour before closing should also be considered, he said.
Assoc Prof Miller said the best way to reduce alcohol consumption was by increasing the price through taxation.
Comment is being sought from the alcohol industry.
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