Binge Drinking and Misuse of Public Halls

Council received a report in August 2008 concerning the issue of binge drinking and misuse of public halls, and resolved to endorse the current hiring practices for Shire managed halls and provide information and support to hall committees of management. A further report was to be provided in six months regarding the use and misuse of public halls in that period.

During the last 12 months there have been over 60 bookings for high risk events such as 18th and 21st birthday parties at Shire managed halls, and only two have resulted in damages to the venue and a disturbance to the neighbours. In both cases the bond was not refunded to the hirer.

RECOMMENDATION at the next Council meeting
That:

1. Bookings are not accepted for teenage birthday parties at the following Shire
managed public halls:
· Coldstream Community Centre
· Kilsyth Memorial Hall
· Lillydale Lake Community Room
· Mt Evelyn Public Hall
· Silvan Public Hall
· The Patch Hall
· Upwey Community Hall
· Wandin North Public Hall
· Yarra Glen Memorial Hall

2. 21st birthday parties be permitted at these halls subject to rigorous scrutiny by the Halls and Venues Coordinator, and payment of a $1000 bond.

3. Hall Committees of Management be informed of these restrictions.