
By Kelly Yates
POLICE will continue to monitor local licensed venues after the success of last weekend’s state-wide operation.
Sergeant David Sheppard from the Endeavour Hills Police Station said Operation Sepotu, South East Public Order Taking Unit, was aimed at enforcing liquor licence laws at popular pubs and clubs in the City of Casey and Cardinia.
The operation, which ran from 8pm to 6am, was based at the Narre Warren Police Station with more than 12 uniform police members, two police vehicles and a brawler van involved.
Sgt Sheppard said police focused on over-crowded venues, underage drinking and the service of alcohol to people who were already intoxicated.
Police visited 50 licensed premises throughout Casey and Cardinia and spoke to 104 people.
Sgt Sheppard said police checked 74 vehicles during the operation and issued 21 penalty notices and two council by law notices.
He said police arrested five people for offences relating to being drunk in a public place through to possessions of drugs and weapons.
Sgt Sheppard said no offences were committed by the licensees.
Due to the success of the Operation Sepotu, police will re-run the operation from 11 to 14 December and 18 to 21 December.