- Protected Entertainment Precincts come into effect 24 December 2022
- Precincts in Northbridge-Perth, Fremantle, Scarborough, Hillarys and Mandurah
- Up to five years jail and $12,000 fine for breaching mandatory exclusion period
- Up to two years jail and $12,000 fine for breaching short-term exclusion order
New laws to ban violent thugs from popular entertainment precincts will come into effect on Christmas Eve, in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour just in time for the festive season.
The McGowan Government's introduction of Protected Entertainment Precincts will help families as well as revellers enjoy a safe night out in Northbridge-Perth, Fremantle, Scarborough, Hillarys and Mandurah.
From Saturday, police will be able to issue a short-term exclusion order of up to six months for anti-social, violent or threatening behaviour in these areas. Those who breach the order face up to two years behind bars and a $12,000 fine.
Anyone convicted of violent or sexual offences, including drink-spiking, within the precincts will be subject to a mandatory five-year ban. The penalties for breaching a mandatory exclusion period are up to five years jail and a $12,000 fine. Juveniles would be banned for up to two years.
Protected Entertainment Precincts are named in honour of Giuseppe 'Pep' Raco, the victim of an unprovoked one-punch attack in Northbridge in July 2020. The McGowan Government worked closely with the Raco family and consulted a range of stakeholders to develop the legislation.
Those subject to exclusion orders or mandatory exclusion under the Liquor Control Amendment (Protected Entertainment Precincts) Act 2022 will be able to enter precincts for essential reasons such as work, residential, education, health and other approved purposes.
For more information, visit www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/pep
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"These laws are about keeping our State's key entertainment precincts safer and I'm pleased they're kicking in for this festive season.
"We want Western Australians and their families to be able to enjoy a night out in a positive and relaxed atmosphere, without fear from troublemakers.
"I thank Enza and the Raco family for their tireless efforts to help strengthen our laws and honour their beloved 'Pep'."
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Reece Whitby:
"It's a relief these laws will be in effect for the busy Christmas and New Year period.
"I want to see the people of Perth out celebrating and enjoying themselves, and they should be able to do that without fear of violent or threatening behaviour.
"I'd like to acknowledge Minister Tony Buti for driving these reforms and playing a pivotal role in shaping this legislation.
"We're making these vibrant precincts safer, while supporting businesses and protecting families as well as helping our entertainment industry thrive."
As stated by Acting Police Minister Stephen Dawson:
"We're taking a no tolerance approach to those who do the wrong thing. We want Perth's popular nightspots to be free of thugs.
"These laws give officers patrolling our streets another tool as they continue to crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
"We already have more officers in our entertainment precincts than ever before, and police will continue to be out in force this festive season."
