A new resource to assist licensees and venue staff in the safe management of a person who is experiencing a mental health or drug-induced episode is now available
Mental illness and alcohol and drug-related harm occur in our community, and staff in licensed venues may encounter a person who is displaying aggressive or problematic behaviour because of these issues.
The guidance, commissioned by the VGCCC and the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS), was prepared by Cathartic Consulting who have expertise in mental health. It arose from recommendations from a Coroner’s inquest into the death of a patron in a bar in Melbourne.
The guidance outlines:
- why you should avoid physical restraint and never use prone restraint
- behaviours that indicate an individual may be experiencing a mental health or drug-related episode
- how to assess the safety of venue staff and patrons and how to respond to these situations
- de-escalation tips.
The guidance has been distributed to all liquor licensees and VGCCC are encouraging them to share it with their staff and to keep copies at their venues. It has also been sent to liquor forum chairs and other stakeholders.
A copy of the two-page guidance, which is easy to share and print, is available on the VGCCC website (PDF, 256.36 KB).
VGCCC will look to amend bridging, refresher and advanced Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training in Victoria to incorporate this guidance and ensure relevant staff are appropriately reminded.
