Violent Dens Downunder

Topping a list of the 100 most violent pubs and clubs in New South Wales, released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, were The Mean Fiddler Hotel at Rouse Hill and Coogee Bay Hotel.

The Fiddler had 51 assaults in 2007, followed by Coogee Bay (41), the Commercial Hotel in Dubbo (38) and the Steyne Hotel in Sydney’s Manly (36), while the Campbelltown Catholic Club, Fanny’s of Newcastle and the Standard Hotel in Orange all had 28 incidents.

Since the list was published, the Liquor Administration Board has cracked down on Newcastle’s 15 toughest pubs. They now close at 1 a.m., and straight shots and strong mixed drinks are banned after 10 p.m.

Eamonn McCabe, licensee of the Crown & Anchor, rejected that such moves will cut down on troublemakers.