Pubs and clubs in Vic forced to offer free water
Every licensed venue in Victoria will be forced to provide free water to customers under a new plan to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence. The Herald Sun reported this week that laws will be introduced to make nightclubs, pubs and bars step up responsible service of alcohol. The crackdown is aimed at venues that charge for bottled water - with some slugging drunken customers more than $10.
Experts say free water will help reduce violence and drunken behaviour. Venues will be able to install water coolers, provide bottled water or serve tap water over the counter. Bar owners who do not provide free water will be liable to fines up to $3500.
“(This will) reduce the potential for drunken trouble in our pubs and clubs and on our streets,” Victorian Premier John Brumby said.
Mr Brumby said the free-water laws would play other important health roles.
“People should get into the habit of drinking more water when having a few drinks, to stay hydrated and slow down the rate they drink,” he said.
Pubs and clubs were encouraged to provide free or cheap water under State Government guidelines set in 2004. But many venues have not been willing to comply, and research by compliance staff shows examples of: Nightclubs charging $10 for bottled water; Venues providing hot and soapy water in bathrooms to discourage patrons from refilling water bottles; and Drinkers being directed to bathrooms when they request tap water.
More from this category
- US Marines to take Darwin bars
- Not so Shady. The Baxter Inn opens its doors.
- Pub duo to fire up the pizza oven!
- Double Bay Doubles-up
More from this author
- Cerbaco to tour the nation
- Inverarity’s Islay Expression
- Editor’s Pick - Hangin’ in Hobart
- US Marines to take Darwin bars
Subscribe to this author
I can’t believe this isn’t already in practice! In South Australia I was under the belief that this was already law? Is this true in other states?
Surely you must agree that providing free water is a good thing yeah?
sounds like a bunch of ’slack’ venues to me. most bars i frequent have at least one water station for punters on the bar ior have someone providing it…. gotta start hittin the clubs again!
I believe its called “good service” Mr Colin.
na owen i hate free water, nearly as much as i hate rum and gin fizzes
Actually a lot of nightclubs don’t do that. I used to work at this place (of which I will remain unnamed), I was yelled at for giving out glasses of water and was told that the company policy was that customers must pay for bottled water. I’ve always thought it was part of the RSA to serve water - and was then corrected by the bar supervisor that only venues that serve food are required to do so…?
Meh, I agree with Chris.
its not legislation yet but it most likely will be soon,
Melbourne crown serves free water quite happily, in a hi ball with ice,
brilliant!