{"id":3773,"date":"2023-11-06T12:37:16","date_gmt":"2023-11-06T01:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dalgarnoinstitute.org.au\/wp_site\/decriminalisation-of-public-intoxication\/"},"modified":"2023-11-06T12:37:16","modified_gmt":"2023-11-06T01:37:16","slug":"decriminalisation-of-public-intoxication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dalgarnoinstitute.org.au\/wp_site\/decriminalisation-of-public-intoxication\/","title":{"rendered":"Decriminalisation of public intoxication"},"content":{"rendered":"

Under critical reform coming into effect from 7 November 2023 being intoxicated in public will be treated as a health issue, not a crime.<\/p>\n

To ensure people who are intoxicated in public can access culturally appropriate and effective supports that prioritise their health, safety and wellbeing, a new evidence-driven, health-based service model will replace the current criminal justice approach.<\/p>\n

From 7 November, people will not be placed in a police cell or arrested solely for being drunk in public, with intoxication no longer the threshold for intervention.<\/p>\n

Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria will continue to respond where there are community safety or emergency health risks.<\/p>\n

Current laws making public intoxication a crime have disproportionately impacted Aboriginal people and other diverse communities across Victoria.<\/p>\n

The government will deliver services for Aboriginal people in locations across regional and metropolitan areas, and a service for all people across Melbourne.<\/p>\n

Licensee obligations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Under the reform, licensees\u2019 obligations will not change. It will still be an offence to allow drunk people on licensed premises and to serve alcohol to an intoxicated person.  <\/p>\n

While police will still be available to assist with incidents in and around your venue that require a police response, this is an opportunity to support Victoria\u2019s broader transition to a health-based approach for those most in need of support. (for more Liquor Control Victoria<\/a><\/strong>)<\/p>\n

Also see<\/p>\n