Public opinion and experiences of crime two and five years following the implementation of a targeted regulation of licensed premises in Newcastle, Australia

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: In 2008 additional licensing restrictions were imposed on ‘high‐risk’ licensed premises in the entertainment precinct of Newcastle (Australia) including earlier closing, a ‘lock‐out’ and additional responsible service of alcohol restrictions. A study was conducted to assess community perceptions, experiences of crime and support for the restrictions, 2 and 5 years following implementation. DESIGN AND METHODS: Telephone surveys were conducted with random samples of Newcastle community members (≥18 years) in 2010 and 2013. Change over time in perceptions and experiences of crime, and awareness and support of the conditions was analysed using logistic regression analyses for all participants, and separately for night‐time visitors. RESULTS: Among all participants (2010: n = 376; 2013: n = 314) the perception that alcohol misuse was a problem declined between 2010 and 2013 for all participants (90% to 85%; P = 0.02), and specifically among night‐time visitors (87% to 75%; P = 0.06). Awareness of the restrictions was high among all participants and sub‐groups, and remained constant over time. Support for the restrictions was also high, with drink restrictions being the most popular. More night‐time visitors reported that conditions made the streets safer in 2013 (62%) than 2010 (47%; P = 0.05). Support for applying restrictions to all licensed premises in the Newcastle entertainment precinct (83%) and across New South Wales was high in 2013 (86%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: At 2 years and 5 years following implementation of additional licensing restrictions, significant improvements in public perceptions of the occurrence of alcohol‐related harm and crime were evident, as were high levels of support for the restrictions.