Free drink lauded

By Kelly Yates
A NARRE Warren nightclub owner says its “ridiculous” that licensed venues were continuing to charge patrons for water.
Club 1422 owner Lorraine Sampson said the Lauderdale Road nightspot had always offered free water.
“If someone wants to have a glass of water they shouldn’t have to pay for it,” Ms Sampson said.
The State Government is introducing new laws requiring Victoria’s licensed venues to provide free water.
“We do sell bottled water but there’s always a jug of free water available for anyone who wants some.”
The Berwick Inn Hotel also offers free water, encouraging the party-goers on Thursday and Friday nights to drink water at the end of the night.
The popular High Street pub doesn’t sell bottled water.
Blitz nightclub in Berwick refused to comment on what it provides.
Making venues provide free water as a condition of running a licensed business will help reduce the potential for drunken trouble in pubs, clubs and on the streets, says Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan.
“The Brumby Labor Government is determined to encourage a safer drinking culture in Victoria by ensuring licensees serve alcohol responsibly and patrons drink sensibly,” he said.
“Free drinking water will help reduce drunkenness by making it easier for patrons to have a non-alcoholic drink while they are out, slowing down the rate of intoxication.
People should get into the habit of drinking more water when having a few drinks, to stay hydrated and slow down the rate they drink.”
Police say the new laws are a “positive move”.
Senior Sergeant Gerry Hengel from the Narre Warren police station said he didn’t believe venues should charge for water.
“It’s a good move for the water to be free at all venues as it will reduce the amount of alcohol consumed with some people,” he said.
The new law will apply to all licensed venues serving liquor for consumption on premises.
Failure to provide free drinking water is set to attract a fine of up to $3500.