Although it’s not yet a problem for those of us who dwell in the inner-city, a rather interesting precedent has been set in the regional NSW town of Newcastle, where the local council have made the rather contentious decision to ban bars, clubs and pubs from serving shots. No more Jaeger bombs for our Steel City friends it would seem!

The ban comes in the face of attempts by police and the local council to curb the anti-social behaviour attributed to binge drinking. A recent spate of violent incidents were the catalyst for the prohibition, with Rolly de With of the Newcastle Liquor Accord remarking to news.com.au; “Sure, the vast majority act and drink responsibly and they behave. But there is always the minority who screw it up for the majority.”

Could we potentially see similar rules being put in place in metropolitan areas? Only time will tell. In the interim, perhaps you could sink a shot or two this weekend, in remembrance of Newcastle’s sober party-people.