Police will be out in force during a four-day period over the Australia Day long weekend.
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Operation Safe Return commences at midnight this Friday, January 24 continuing through until midnight Monday, January 27.
The operation will primarily target drug and alcohol affected drivers, speeding, occupant restraints, mobile phone offences and driver fatigue. Double demerit points will apply.
Police are also reminding residents that everyone has the right to enjoy a safe and responsible environment for a night out at a licensed premise.
"We want everyone to enjoy the Australia Day long weekend, and by all means, enjoy a drink, but stop before you've had too much, stop before you are asked to leave, stop before you refuse to leave and definitely stop before you become anti-social or violent," Hume Police District Acting Inspector Dave Cowell said.
If a person fails to leave when asked they commit the offence of 'fail to leave licensed premises' and could find themselves receiving an on the spot fine for $550.
"Remember, it is okay to have a few drinks and enjoy yourself but as soon as that behaviour starts having a negative effect on the comfort of other patrons you have gone too far. People need to be responsible for their own actions and anti-social behaviour cannot be tolerated in our licensed premises," Acting Inspector Cowell said.
"For those people who for some reason can't get the hint and continue to cause trouble in and around our licensed premises, as well as receiving the $550 fine there are further sanctions that could be imposed by the venue or the Local Liquor Accord."
These include:
- Being barred from the venue for an extended period of time
- Being barred from multiple venues within the area for an extended period of time
- Having a formal banning order placed against you
Police are also reminding the public that school resumes from Tuesday, January 28 and 40 km/h school zones will be back in operation.
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