Fed: Clark condemns Warrnambool licensing accord as flawed

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2003
Fed: Clark condemns Warrnambool licensing accord as flawed

ATSIC's suspended chairman GEOFF CLARK says a licensing policy that could leave him
barred from every watering hole in Warrnambool is flawed.

He's been barred from the Criterion Hotel -- the scene of a pub brawl last year which
led to his suspension as ATSIC boss.

Under a local licensing accord, being barred from one hotel, club or licensed restaurant
in Warrnambool usually means being barred from all 21.

Mr CLARK has complained the accord has been formulated without consultation with Aborigines
who are often victimised by the policy.

He says most of the Aborigines at his home community of Framlingham socialise in Warrnambool.

Criterion licensee JOHN PALMER denies his decision to ban CLARK is provocative or racially
motivated.





A Victorian appeal court last week overturned Mr CLARK'S conviction for riotous behaviour
in Victoria's south-west in May last year.

But the court upheld his conviction for obstructing police and fined him $750.

AAP RTV rmg/sb/lma/rp

KEYWORD: CLARK (CANBERRA)

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