A decade apart: changes in nightlife aggression and alcohol intoxication in Geelong, Australia

Background Nightlife entertainment precincts (NEPs) are high-risk settings for aggression and alcohol-related harm. The present study aimed to examine whether the prevalence of nightlife aggression in Geelong, Victoria, has changed by comparing data from two cross-sectional patron survey studies conducted in 2012 and 2023.Method Street-intercept surveys were conducted in the Geelong NEP during peak trading hours as part of two independent studies: POINTED (2012; n = 239, 53.6% men) and the Geelong Nightlife Project (2023; n = 232, 48.7% men). Surveys collected demographic information, details about the current night out, self-reported experiences of physical and verbal aggression within the past three months, and blood alcohol concentration (BAC).Results Patrons in 2023 were significantly more likely to report experiencing verbal aggression compared to patrons in 2012 (OR = 1.86). However, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of physical aggression between the two timepoints (p > .05). Patrons in 2023 (M = 0.08 g/dl) recorded slightly higher BACs than those in 2012 (M = 0.07 g/dl).Conclusion This study demonstrates that aggression in NEPs remains a persistent problem. Without effective alcohol policies and targeted interventions, nightlife aggression is likely to continue, posing ongoing risks to public safety and economic burden.