Alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour will be a primary focus for regional New South Wales police as part of a proactive high-visibility operation this long weekend.

Police from the Northern, Southern and Western Regions will conduct Operation Pariac from Friday 11 June 2021 through to Monday 14 June 2021. General duties officers will be assisted by specialist licencing police to target alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour both inside and around licensed premises.

In 2020, Operation Pariac also included a focus on COVID-Safety compliance for both licensees and patrons. Though NSW COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease, officers will still be working with venues and licensees to ensure all relevant restrictions are being adhered to and all patrons are able to celebrate in a safe environment.

During the last deployment of Operation Pariac in December 2020, 65 people were arrested across regional NSW. A total of 68 charges were laid, the majority of which was for anti-social behaviour and alcohol/drug-related crime.

In addition, 35 people received infringement notices for failing to quit a licensed premises while a total of 1164 random breath tests were conducted, with 35 people charged for PCA offences.

Western Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said high-visibility deployments such as Operation Pariac increase community confidence while maintaining a safe environment for the public.

“Officer numbers on the ground will be significantly boosted across Western Region across the long weekend, with a focus on antisocial behaviour at licensed venues and compliance with COVID-19 restrictions,” Mr McKechnie said.

“Police will conduct proactive patrols of licensed premises, and anyone who decides to impact others by disrupting the peace will be held accountable.

“Officers will continue to enforce the most up-to-date COVID-19 restrictions which remain in place across the state, so we urge those going out to continue to observe social distancing rules and comply with all the relevant venue capacity requirements.”

Assistant Commissioner McKechnie also reminded the public to look out for their mates while enjoying a night out, and have a Plan B for making it home safely.

Operation Pariac is conducted throughout regional NSW at various times of the year and regular operations will continue to be rolled out later in 2021.