Two-year booze ban plus jail threat for anyone convicted of violent offence while under the influence Generic binge drinking Source: HeraldSun DRUNKEN thugs will soon find themselves banned from pubs and clubs for up to two years. The Napthine Government has introduced draft laws to State Parliament to fulfil an election promise to crack down on violent crime in the city and at late-night venues. Attorney-General Robert Clark said the ban would apply to anyone convicted of a violent offence while under the influence of alcohol. And the ban would be enforced at every licensed venue in Victoria: booze barns, pubs, licensed RSLs, restaurants, hotel bars, cafes, and even bars at sports grounds where alcohol is served. Mr Clark said the tough laws would make the state a safer place and sound a strong warning. "This ban will send a very strong message to would-be offenders that any form of alcohol- fuelled violence will have serious consequences for their social life, on top of any other penalty," he said. "In future, any would-be young offender thinking of getting drunk and starting a fight will know that for two years they will be banned from going to a pub with their mates, or taking their girlfriend out to a nightclub," he said. Courts would have some discretion to grant exemptions where offenders work in venues that serve alcohol, but they would still be unable to drink. Anyone caught flouting a ban could face up to two years in jail. "Keeping violent drunks away from licensed premises will also help make those premises safer for young people and others who want to have a safe and enjoyable night out," Mr Clark said. Violent attacks are all too often linked to over-consumption of alcohol in and around licensed premises.