The Sunken Monkey Hotel at Erina has the equal second highest incidence of violence on the NSW Government’s latest half-yearly violent venues list.
The Sunken Monkey is one of 14 venues across the state on the second highest level of alcohol related violence.
The Sunken Monkey in Erina was previously known as the Woodport Inn.
According to the current venue manager, Mr Dean Markham, the Woodport Inn changed ownership and was re-named The Sunken Monkey Hotel at the end of 2015.
At that point, there had been a number of incidents recorded against the venue which resulted in it being classified as a Level 2 venue under Schedule 4 of the Liquor and Gaming NSW Violent Venues Scheme.
“Under the new ownership there have been a number of policy and procedures changed and implemented to reduce antisocial behaviour in the venue,” Mr Markham said.
He said the Sunken Monkey was also an active member of the local Liquor Accord, which was put in place by local venue licensees, in association with the Brisbane Water Local Area Command, to curb antisocial and alcohol and drug associated violent behaviour.
“These changes have seen an impact on violence in the venue with a reduction in the number of incidents involving the hotel,” he said.
“It should be noted that of the 16 incidents recorded against the venue for round 17, 10 of these occurred outside of the venue.
“The Sunken Monkey Hotel sees over 10,000 people through its doors every month, and all but a very small minority have a safe and enjoyable time within the venue,” he said.
Fifteen licensed venues across the state were named on the NSW Government’s latest half-yearly violent venues list.
The list reflects the number of violent incidents at venues over a 12-month period.
Venues with 12 or more incidents make the list and are subject to strict conditions and increased monitoring by Liquor and Gaming NSW.
Liquor and Gaming NSW Deputy Secretary, Mr Paul Newson, said it was common for numbers of listed venues to fluctuate from round to round.
“This latest list follows the scheme’s best ever results six months ago, when for the first time, there were no venues in level one,” Mr Newson said.
“Listed venues will be closely monitored, but the results show that the level of violent incidents remains on a longer-term downward trend.
“The violent venues scheme has made a significant contribution to this reduction and helped ensure that the community can enjoy safer nights out, with an 82 per cent fall in the number of violent incidents since first established in 2008.
“Liquor & Gaming NSW administers a range of regulatory schemes that encourage best practice and reduce risks of alcohol-related violence.
“We continue to engage with industry and the community to improve safety in and around licensed venues.”
Source:
Media release, May 26
Eric Aubert, Liquor and Gaming NSW
Media statement, May 30
Dean Markham, Sunken Monkey
Jackie Pearson, journalist