Two Hobart waterfront deaths in late 2019 and early 2020 have prompted a coroner to make several recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
The recommendations follow an inquest into the deaths of Robert Xu, who fell into the River Derwent in November 2019 and David Davies, who drowned outside the Observatory Bar (O-Bar) in February 2020.
Coroner Robert Webster said both Xu and Davies died after being served and consuming too much alcohol, leaving them “incapable of looking after themselves”.
Webster noted that 27-year-old Davies also suffered a concussion from a “vicious assault” shortly before being evicted from the O-Bar premises by security around 1am on February 9 2020.
Webster recommended that the Commissioner for Licensing consider requiring venues with out-of-hours permits to implement real-time CCTV monitoring to reduce the risk of similar incidents.
He also suggested developing formal guidelines for information sharing between the Liquor and Gaming Branch and Tasmania Police to prevent unlicensed individuals from working as crowd controllers, noting that one such employee was present at the Observatory Bar on the night of the incident.
The coroner questioned procedures at the Evolve Spirits Bar, where Xu purchased four whiskies in one transaction, to ensure compliance with out-of-hours permit conditions.
He recommended that staff be trained to identify and prevent binge drinking, saying that when multiple drinks are purchased, it should be ensured that “those drinks are being shared and not all consumed” by one person.
Webster also recommended regular, random spot checks of licensed premises to encourage responsible alcohol consumption and detect potential breaches.
He said that without such checks, licensees may not be deterred from failing to comply with their obligations under the Liquor Licensing Act.
Rule breakers should be “fully investigated and prosecuted and any appropriate disciplinary action” taken, Webster said.
He also commented on the installation of safety fencing around the Hobart waterfront, deeming it “not practical” due to the area’s status as a working port.
“The approach taken by TasPorts, providing life-saving devices for those in the water rather than attempting the impractical exercise of preventing any entry to the water is the correct approach,” he said.
“TasPorts has continued to update its management plans and continues to apply funds to enhance waterfront safety.”
“Since the deaths … additional ladders and lifebuoys have been provided and instructional lifesaving signage has been installed on each individual lifebuoy.”
The inquest heard that the Observatory Bar (O-Bar) had changed its name to Muse at the same time the investigation was underway but has since reverted back.
