Patron Offending and Intoxication in Night-time Entertainment Districts (POINTED) Final Report

This study aimed to address the significant gaps in evidence which we have identified here. While we have information about the levels of risky drinking among young Australians at a population level, as well as national estimates of drug use, we know little about the drinking practices, drug use and harms experienced by young people in and around licensed venues. We also know little about how behaviour and harms differ between location and venue type. Without specific evidence of rates, patterns of consumption, behaviour and harms, police and licensee efforts to address intoxication and offending in licensed venues will continue to be undermined by ineffective policy. This study attempted to address these important questions, utilising a research design which enabled us to capture data from consumers during an episode of alcohol and other drug use. This approach limited the potential for recall bias, and allowed us to observe first-hand behaviour that occurs in and around licensed venues