OFF THE WIRE
BIKIE club members must comply to a new dress code when entering particular
licensed premises in Liverpool City.
A motion was passed by Liverpool
City Liquor Accord last Tuesday to support a "no colours" signage at local
licensed premises.
Licensees can choose to display the sign after the
state government passed the legislation under section 77 (13) of the Liquor Act
2007.
"This is on a voluntary basis; however, police are strongly
encouraging all premises to come on board and support each other in relation to
this legislation," said Liverpool licensing officer Sergeant Jillian
Gibson.
She said the decision was made to provide a safer community
environment.
"It's not discrimination in any way as the person is able to
enter as long as they remove the offending clothing," she said. "Police believe
wearing club colours in licensed premises can be intimidatory to other colours
and places the person wearing those colours at risk of harm if people decide to
challenge them in relation to their affiliation."
John Edmondson VC
Memorial Club's chief executive Ray Stewart said he's had the policy in place
for over 22 years.
"This is reinforcing our dress code," he said. "It's
like not wearing football jerseys — we don't allow that. The same goes for
bikies and we've never had any trouble from them."
http://www.liverpoolchampion.com.au/story/1342437/bikie-colours-banned/?cs=1213
