The controversial issue of lockout laws for pubs and clubs in the territory has been raised again during the week following a Deakin University report into the cost of alcohol-related crime.
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Though the ACT government backed down from its proposed liquor reform package midyear it is again being pressed to look at the unpopular issue of earlier closing times.
The report claims that intoxicated Canberrans drinking in Civic and Braddon left taxpayers footing a bill of almost $11.7 million in police and court costs in 2014-15.
Disturbingly, 17 per cent of Canberrans polled said they drove while drunk.
The report paints a worrying picture of the cost of alcohol-related crime in the territory and the ACT government has said it will examine the findings.
Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said the government would identify which, if any, proposals would have the potential to "contribute to the safety and vibrancy of the ACT's nightlife".
It seems unlikely the ACT government would back down over a decision it made just before the election but perhaps the new-look Labor and Greens alliance might revisit the unpopular issue now they have been returned to power.
The Australian Federal Police Association has joined the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education for the ACT in again calling for lockout laws.
The report found that 46 per cent of short-term reactive policing costs and 43 per cent of alcohol-related offences occur between 3am and 6am.
For this reason, the AFPA has long been calling for the government to introduce 3am lockout laws.
At the time the liquor reform package was shelved Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the government was still keen to pursue other aspects of reform but would not change closing times, late-night fees, or last-drinks arrangements.
During the election Labor promised to fund six new police to curb drunken violence in Civic and increase fees for larger liquor retailers to fund an education campaign on responsible alcohol consumption.
It would be prudent for the ACT government to make these reforms a matter of priority in the wake of the report's release.