Western Australia Police has banned 15 disorderly and violent patrons from licensed premises under recent changes to the Liquor Control Act.

The 15 people issued with the Barring Notices are banned from entering all licensed premises, except liquor stores, for between three and 12 months.

Police started issuing Barring Notices to troublemakers in pubs and club when amendments to the Act came into effect on 17 January 2011.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Stephen Brown APM said Barring Notices had become the latest weapon for police in the fight against antisocial behavior and violence in licensed premises.

“The onus is on patrons to behave or they will be banned from specific licensed premises or a particular class of licensed premises for up to 12 months,” Mr Brown said.

Barring Notices have been issued to male and female patrons aged between 22 and 42 years. The offences ranged from common assault to unlawful wounding. Two of the Barring Notices related to incidents where staff had been assaulted.

Most of the Barring Notices were issued for incidents of violence where bottles or glasses were used in the assaults.

“For these more serious offences, police will also be seeking prohibition orders which could see the accused banned from licensed premises for up to five years,” Mr Brown said.