Hotels' Peace Shuttle Bus With Security
Newcastle Herald
Monday November 5, 2007
A DANGEROUS combination of lack of late-night transport and drinking in Singleton has led to a trial of a shuttle bus service manned by security guards.
A group of licensed premises put the proposal together after a year of allegations about underage drinking, fights between civilians and trainees from the Singleton army base, and other anti-social behaviour.Seven of the town's hotels and a club, all members of the Upper Hunter liquor accord, say they want patrons to get home safely.Albion Hotel owner Jan Kuzmic refused to comment on the reported clashes but said public safety was an important reason for the service."We just don't want to see anyone left out in the cold," Ms Kuzmic said.Singleton Shire Council will consider a new report tonight that includes suggestions the Australian Defence Force (ADF) was considering restricting trainee activities in town because of incidents involving "aggressive local men".The report also said licensees "blacklisted" troublemakers and noted a proposal to place a security guard at a town taxi rank to reduce trouble.In August, The Herald reported the ADF had complained civilians were not being appropriately punished for fights with soldiers and other antisocial behaviour.Ms Kuzmic said the shuttle bus would have a security guard on board.She said there were not enough taxis to take drinkers home and other licensees had problems "dispersing patrons".The shuttle trial was expected to run through December on Friday and Saturday nights and would extended if successful, Ms Kuzmic said.
© 2007 Newcastle Herald