Underage teen among 11 people added to Wagga-wide pub ban

ELEVEN people — including an underage teenager — have been added to the list of patrons banned from licensed venues across Wagga Wagga.

The Wagga Wagga Liquor Accord met earlier this week at the Sportsmen’s Club Hotel to review new referrals and a request for removal under its long-standing multi-venue barring policy.

The Accord, a partnership between licensed venues, police, councils, businesses, and other community stakeholders, has led the way on multi-venue barring in NSW for more than a decade.

The group enforces a strict “barred from one, barred from all” approach to tackle alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour across Wagga.

At Tuesday’s meeting, one underage individual and ten adults were added to the Joint Barred List (JBL).

Six adults were barred for three years each due to involvement in serious incidents, while the teenager was banned until their 19th birthday. In total, the combined barring period for the 11 patrons is 21 years.

“This strong action shows licensees will not accept violence, drugs, anti-social behaviour or minors illegally in their licensed premises,” Riverina Police said in a statement.

“Please remember — it is a privilege, not a right, to enter licensed premises.”

Three additional people referred to the committee were not added to the JBL, as their cases didn’t meet the guidelines. However, they remain banned from the individual venues where their incidents occurred.

Meanwhile, a North Wagga Wagga man who spent several years on the barred list was granted approval to return to licensed venues after submitting a written request for removal.

The man acknowledged his past behaviour and took responsibility for his actions, which committee members considered in their decision.

Riverina Police have praised the multi-venue barring policy, calling it one of the most effective initiatives ever implemented by the Accord, and a key force in reshaping behaviour in licensed venues across the city.