ACT Policing apprehended 71 underage drinkers at last night’s (Tuesday, January 25) Australia Day Live concert.
Operation Commander for the event Sergeant Steve Cooke said that this year’s operational strategy involved the early detection and interruption of underage drinking in the areas surrounding Parliament House.
“The intoxicated youth intended to walk to the concert after drinking at nearby locations. In previous years these young people had been the cause of various disturbances at the event. This early detection meant that we experienced minimal problems within the precinct,” Sergeant Cooke said.
A further four young people were apprehended for possession of cannabis, one in possession of a knife. Five adults were taken into protective custody due to their level of intoxication.
ACT Policing worked closely with event organisers and security at the event. The introduction of a temporary fence around the concert area, together with high visibility policing ensured a trouble-free event.
Last year 10 juveniles were taken in to police custody for underage drinking offences during the concert. A similar number were referred by police to ACT Ambulance Service after they were deemed unfit for custody due to their level of intoxication.
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