Locked out

The West Australian government would like to impose new laws for pubs and clubs in Perth that keeps patrons from entering the venues after a certain time. The new laws would see all nightclubs change to a lock out time of 3:30am and for pubs to have a lockout time of 12:00am. Understandably the hospitality industry is opposed to this change. 

The law was proposed to reduce the occurrence of drunken violence and antisocial behaviour in Perth's entertainment areas, particularly Northbridge. he reasoning behind this is fantastic and somewhat necessary, the method is, however, misguided. By refusing entry into pubs at 12am the local police would be happy to know that they will have less violence in the pubs around Perth because the patrons will walk down the road to the local clubs. Come 3:30 and people are being refused entry so our clubs are now safe of drunken violence. They violence will now be conveniently walking the streets of Perth, with no security to protect those who aren't willingly participating in antisocial behaviour. Most of the violent crimes relating to drunk, antisocial behaviour occur outside of the venues. By locking people out of Perth pubs and clubs earlier the government of Perth isn't actually stopping antisocial behaviour, they are just moving it to the streets.

A similar law was trialled in Melbourne between the months of June and September in 2008. The state government made the decision not to pursue the plan as it was found to be ineffective. In fact they found that incidents of violent crime increased during this period. Instead their government gave more powers to the liquor licensing, giving them the ability to shut down problem areas instead of a blanket law. With results such as these, one must wonder why Perth has decided to impose a lockout on their pubs and clubs. Perhaps it's so the government gives the appearance of doing something about a known issue in Perth.

Personally, working in the hospitality industry, I wouldn't like to see this law be implemented. If for no other reason than the fat that I don't finish work until 12 onwards especially on weekends. Having just finished work,  and therefore of sound mind, I wouldn't be happy being unable to join my friends for drinks because the pub isn't letting people in after 12, despite the fact that is allowed to trade until 2am. Similarly, I wouldn't like to see friends being rejected for re-entry into a pub or club after going out for a cigarette. I would also like to know what the government intends to do about the fact that the only place that will be open for entry after 3:30 would be the casino. Would this not just result in an increase intoxicated people working their way to the casino after they are refused entry to their favourite nightclub.

Not only will the lockout not help reduce the antisocial behaviour in Perth but it will make the streets of Perth less safe at the times of lockout, seeing groups of angry rejecting, drunk people roaming the cities of Perth away from security. Is the government going to lock them out of our streets too.

Public Relations, a promotion

So you're looking to study are you? Have you thought about Public Relations? Do you know what public relations is? It's all about building and maintaining relationships. It's about communicating with the public. Everyone can communicate. Cert IV in Public Relations will get you off to the great start you need to head into any kind of Communications field.

In this course you get great hand on experience in developing campaigns. You will be able to brainstorm and put together real campaigns that you can create and watch grow into something tangible. These campaigns aren't just about making documents to send to be sent off to companies, you will be there from the beginning to brainstorm with your class mates and start an idea from it's very roots. What university helps you do that?

As part of Public Relations you will need to be familiar will all sorts of social media. So in this course you will be exploring different social media websites, including facebook, blogs, Wikispaces. You will be able to set up your own account in these and are encouraged to use them as a tool for communication. In fact your class will have a page set up just for you and your classmates. This will help you develop your communication skills on the internet in a fun way.

You will also be able to explore your creative side, where you create your own PR Company, putting together your own name, logo and stationary. Then you can create your very own Web 2.0 with whatever ideas you desire... your only limit is your imagination.

In order to get all of these creative juices flowing you will be versed in the basics. You will become an expert on Publisher and all Microsoft products by learning with easy to follow activities that involve fun elements for you to create. Not sure your writing skill are up to scratch just yet? Don't worry in the Edit Text class you will become a word sleuth, writing mastermind.

Still not sure if you will be able to stick it out? Well if you start to get off to a shaky start or have loads of problems Keith has organised for the diploma students to be mentoring you. They aren't scary, they've just been through all the same assignments and hard times and can offer a helping hand.

With a fun and interesting, hands on course, easy to get along with lectures and all the support in the world, what reason do you have not to do a Cert IV in Public Relations?