The Courier Mail reported on Wednesday (27 January) that Queensland paramedics want pool cues and glass ashtrays banned at pubs and clubs to reduce the risk of being attacked by drunks.

The Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union, which represents paramedics, says drunken violence is getting worse and called for curfews on offenders. In its submission to a parliamentary inquiry on booze-fuelled violence, the union said it supported harsher penalties, more security cameras and police, advertising restrictions, education campaigns and metal detectors and ID scanners for late-night venues. The LMHU also agrees with the State Government glass ban (in 75 high risk venues) but insisted that pool cues and other glass items should be phased out as well.

In the Courier Mail article, Normanby Hotel owner Mark Lassman said it was going too far. “What next - salt and pepper shakers … bar stools fastened to the floor?” he said. “The answer lies in personal responsibility. We need harsher penalties, not just for violence but anti-social behaviour.”

Bond University criminologist Professor Paul Wilson said banning pool cues and ashtrays was discriminating against the majority because of the behaviour of a few.

Click here to read the full story in the Courier Mail.