Drunk kiddie focus at Australia Day Live!

The introduction of a temporary fence around the concert area, together with a highly visible police presence, is aimed at ensuring a trouble-free all-ages Australia Day Live concert tomorrow (Tuesday, January 25).

This year, as in previous years, ACT Policing will place a particular focus on identifying alcohol-affected juveniles, with event security instructed to turn away young people who appear to be affected by alcohol.

The free concert will be held on the lawns of Parliament House, at Federation Mall, tomorrow (Tuesday, January 25) from 6pm to 10pm.

The Operation Commander for the event, Sergeant Steve Cooke, said that ACT Policing will be working closely with event organisers and security at the event to ensure everyone has a good time.

“One of our priorities this year, as with every year, is to ensure that families attending Australia Day celebrations will not be subjected to anti-social behaviour, especially the behaviour of young people under the influence of alcohol,” Sgt Cooke said.

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.

“This year police will be out in force with dedicated police for crowd control, General Duties, and traffic management and will be taking specific steps, such as pre-event patrols and establishing a detention area for juveniles at the City Police Station, to deal with intoxicated youths”, Sergeant Cooke said.

ACT Policing would like the Canberra community to have a safe and enjoyable Australia Day and encourages the responsible consumption of alcohol at all times.

[Courtesy of ACT Policing]