The debate over binge drinking and nightclub trading hours is missing the point. We had nightclubs open late and a drinking age of 18 for years without problems.
That we have problems now means that something has changed. But that change isn’t just in the clubs and isn’t limited to alcohol. It’s attitude. We are now seeing the effects of removing responsibility from the individual and respect for others in general.
If I defend my property from a thief then in the eyes of the law I’m the criminal if I cause them even the slightest harm. Likewise children create mayhem in schools without fear of punishment. That attitude of being untouchable now goes right through society.
And that’s the problem. We no longer have respect. Hence the problems we now have every Friday and Saturday night. Binge drinking, the increasingly common use of drugs and some poorly run clubs certainly make it worse but lack of respect is very much an issue.
Closing nightclubs or shortening trading hours is not the solution. That approach is at best hiding the symptoms, likely only to see them resurface in some other form. If international cities can maintain safe streets with a nightlife that dwarfs any Australian city then clearly nightclubs per se are not the problem. The problem is the attitude of Australian society in general. It’s all about me. If I do something wrong then you can’t touch me. And you’ll be the criminal if you do.