Tasmania Police deployed 56 officers throughout the State last night to participate in Operation Unite: A Blitz Against Drunken Violence. Entertainment precincts around Tasmania tonight will again be subject to police operations involving a large number of police.

The State Coordinator of Operation Unite, Commander Richard Cowling, praised the behaviour of people patronising the entertainment areas in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport.

“Numbers in the entertainment precincts of the Hobart, Launceston and Devonport were relatively high, the general behaviour and mood of people was very good” said Commander Cowling.

Importantly, only one assault has been reported to police as having occurred in any of the entertainment precinct areas of the three cities last night.

“This in part would be due to the highly visible police presence in those entertainment precincts and the moderating effect that presence has on behaviour, but the most significant factor is the individual acceptance of responsibility of those out celebrating the festive season. Tasmania Police hopes that people will continue to enjoy the seasonal celebrations and continue to behave in a responsible manner” Commander Cowling said.

Despite the overall responsible behaviour shown by patrons in the entertainment precincts, four people will face prosecution for a range of offences.  Unfortunately,  three people were required to be arrested predominantly for public annoyance-type offences. Disturbingly, eight people were arrested for drink-driving on streets within the Unite area of operation. Only one public place assault was reported.

Police undertook a number of licensed establishment visits last night in the three Tasmanian cities. However, no licensing breaches were detected.

Officers undertaking Operation Unite last night were regularly thanked by members of the public for the high police presence and visibility.

Some other statistics

• Arrests – Hobart 2, Launceston 0  , Devonport 1
• 21 Liquor Infringement Notices were issued