Global cities facing nightlife challenges

An in depth analysis of what makes a great late night city has revealed Sydney is facing the same problems and challenges as other global late night cities.

Insufficient public transport, not enough diverse options to attract a broader age range and clustering of licensed venues in small areas all contribute to violence and anti social behaviour in Sydney and other major western cities.

A research paper prepared by one of the world's leading late night economy experts on behalf of the City of Sydney will assist the City in developing its Late Night Economy Policy.

In his paper Night Time Economy - International Evidence Literature Review Public Summary Dr Phil Hadfield, who specialises in alcohol, drug and social issues, makes the following findings:

• Most consumers of the night time economy (NTE) are young people. Large scale street drunkenness deters other groups (like families, older people and ethnic minorities) from going out at night;
• The lack of socially and diverse crowds in the late night economy prevents 'normalising' of the street environment and a loss of the informal day time controls that maintain social order;
• Flashpoints include public transport hubs and fast food outlets;
• Over supply of bars and clubs within short walking distance leads to alcohol related violence; and
• The majority of arrest for late night alcohol related offences involve people with no previous convictions - offences are usually spontaneous.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said that to make the City's first ever Late Night Economy Policy truly robust, the City coupled the community and industry's input with solid evidence-based research.

Lord Mayor Moore stated "this is the first time international research into overseas late night cities has been dissected in Australia.

"This is a lesson in what works and what doesn't in other major cities. It's about getting the balance right for everyone - residents, businesses and visitors to the city. We will feed the results into our draft policy which is expected in early 2012."

Dr Hadfield said his international review would provide Sydney with the most up-to-date available analysis of what other cities are doing at night, stating "the point of this report is to present all of the options available - and to let Sydney decide which package of measures will work best when tailored to local needs.

"This report provides the best possible information on what is working well elsewhere and what has not worked and why.

"And it's important to be aware that this requires more than just mirroring programs that are working well elsewhere.

"For instance, what works well in George Street may not be what is most appropriate in Kings Cross, but a range of options are available and transferrable when adapted for local needs.

My research will help Sydney determine what is needed and where.

"The evidence shows that a package of measures, and all levels of government and authorities working together with police, public health, transport as well as bottle shops and venue operators is the most effective way forward."

Dr Hadfield said some common international issues and approaches include:

• Multi-component programs are the most effective approachas they coordinate many strategies together;
• Banning orders: prohibiting repeat problem offenders from all licensed venues in an area;
• Mobile medical response units and street based treatment centres in key nightlife hubs to ease the strain on emergency departments;
• Introducing radio-link systems so that venue operators can keep in touch about individuals approaching venues;
• Increased and easily accessible transport to get people home more quickly to prevent frustration and competition for limited travel options;
• A Licensed Premises Enforcement Database to risk-assess each licensed premise in relation to crime, disorder, and public nuisance; 
• Safe bars training in 'hot spot' areas to train staff to recognise signs of aggression and teach them intervention techniques to defuse violent behaviour; 
• Alcohol Arrest Referral Schemes where perpetrators get counselling for their drinking problem in exchange for reduction in fines imposed; 
• Audits of street lighting in crime spot areas to assist CCTV and better illumination to deter anti social behaviour; and 
• Encouraging more options for more people in the 6pm-10pm time slot, whilst maintaining a check on the growth of late night licensed venues and 'clusters' of venues that may develop.

Dr Phil Hadfield is a graduate of the Universities of Keele (Criminology and Philosophy, First Class) and Cambridge (M.Phil in Criminological Research), and holds a PhD from the University of Durham.

He is Senior Visiting Researcher and Associate Fellow of the Centre for Criminal Justice Studies, School of Law at the University of Leeds. During a 10 year career in the alcohol, drug and security field he has also held the positions of Senior Research Fellow at the latter institution, Research Associate at the University of Durham, Lecturer in Criminology at the University of York, and Senior Consultant to Alcohol Concern.