Sydney's Ivy named as our most violent nightspot in new drinking crackdown - The Daily Telegraph

Police speak with management of Ivy bar on George St last July / Picture: Brad Hunter Source: News Limited

SYDNEY and NSW'S most violent drinking venue is bar baron Justin Hemmes' Ivy complex, the only one to be subject to "Level 1" restrictions.

Hospitality minister George Souris will today announce new laws next year imposing restrictions before midnigh on violent venues if they have a history of violent incidents earlier in the evening.

Police respond to an incident outside Sydney’s Ivy. Source: News Limited

Hotspot... the Ivy Pool Bar Source: News Limited

Bar baron... Justin Hemmes. Source: News Limited

The violent venue list will increase to 21 pubs and clubs on December 1, and the affected pubs and clubs will have stricter conditions on their liquor license.

"Currently a number of the scheme's conditions only apply after midnight, but this amendment would aim to ensure that venues, including country venues that have earlier closing times, can still be effectively targeted with conditions if violent incidents and high risk trading periods are occurring earlier,'' Mr Souris said.

The Ivy recorded 26 violent incidents and will be subject to conditions including a 2am lockout, extra security guards, and a ban on shots.

Is the Ivy really that bad? Have your say and comment below

There are a further 20 pubs and club which will be subject to "Level 2" restrictions for clocking up between 12 and 19 violent incidents.

Hit list...Our most violent hotspots. Source: Supplied

These venues have to stop serving alcohol 30 minutes before closing, and glass containers are banned after midnight.

The Waratah Hotel in Mudgee had 18 violent incidents, and Cheeky Monkeys Bar and Restaurant and Cocktails in Lismore both had 16 each.

The New Brighton Hotel in Manly, the Mean Fiddler in Rouse Hill, and Roxy Hotel in Parramatta, each had 15.

The New Brighton hotel at Manly. Source: News Limited

Scruffy Murphys. Source: News Limited

Manly’s Shore Club Hotel. Source: News Limited

"This list identifies those licensed premises which are the worst hot spots for trouble so that special operating conditions can be imposed to help manage the risk of further violence,'' Mr Souris said.

"My strong advice to all licensed venues is to regularly review your alcohol and security management plans to minimise the chance of violence on your premises."

Six venues, including the Trademark Hotel in Kings Cross will be removed from the list, after the number of violent incidents fell.