Mr. Birney questions the closure of Mount Magnet hotels by police, citing disruption to residents. The Minister acknowledges the disruption but defends the police action as necessary to maintain order under the Liquor Licensing Act.

AnsweredQoN 1662Legislative Assembly
Asked
26 March 2002
Member
Portfolio
Police and Emergency Services

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Is the Minister aware that the police, in the town of Mount Magnet, closed down the towns 3 Hotels on Friday 8 March 2002 at 5.45pm?
(2) Is the Minister aware that the closure of these premises resulted in the disruption of the lives of the residents of Mount Magnet because they were unable to obtain a meal, a drink or place to bet after work on the busiest night of the week?
(3) Will the Minister provide details as to the reasons why these premises were closed down?
(4) Will the Minister advise if the actions of the Mount Magnet Police on this occasion were justified and if so, what was the justification for these actions?
(5) Is the Minister concerned about the loss of trade to the 3 Hotels and inconvenience caused to the residents of Mount Magnet?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
19 June 2002
Responded by
Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Response time
85 days
The disruption to local residents was regrettable and the decision by police was not taken lightly, however, there were other venues for people to obtain meals in the town. The Police Service further advises that the closure of premises such as these by police is not unusual and has occurred on previous occasions not only in Mount Magnet but other towns within the State. The power to close liquor outlets by order of a police officer is vested in Section 114 (1) (a) & (b) of the Liquor Licensing Act. The Police Service advises that it considered closing the Hotels necessary to preserve peace and good order in the Mount Magnet townsite.
The Police Service further advises that the closure of premises such as these by police is not unusual and has occurred on previous occasions not only in Mount Magnet but other towns within the State. The power to close liquor outlets by order of a police officer is vested in Section 114 (1) (a) & (b) of the Liquor Licensing Act. The Police Service advises that it considered closing the Hotels necessary to preserve peace and good order in the Mount Magnet townsite.
The Police Service advises that it considered closing the Hotels necessary to preserve peace and good order in the Mount Magnet townsite.

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