Need support for public intoxication?
Call the PIR Centralised Service 24/7 on (03) 7043 9175

About Public Intoxication Reform

The PIR Centralised Service was established following the decriminalisation of public drunkenness in November 2023, as part of Victoria’s move towards a health led response to public intoxication.

The reform replaces a criminal justice response with a health led approach, focused on immediate care, harm reduction and connection to outreach and sobering up services. The approach aims to improve health and wellbeing outcomes, promote dignity and community safety, and reduce pressure on emergency services by helping people receive the right support at the right time.

The Public Intoxication Response (PIR) Centralised Service is available to the general mainstream population across Metropolitan Melbourne, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Victoria, including:

  • Metropolitan Melbourne
  • Geelong
  • Bendigo
  • Ballarat
  • East Gippsland
  • Latrobe Valley
  • Mildura
  • Swan Hill
  • Shepparton

The PIR Centralised Service is a 24/7 telephone service providing safe, culturally responsive support to people affected by intoxication from alcohol.

When you call, you will be connected with one of our Intake, Referral and Dispatch (IRD) Call Operators or Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Clinicians. Our team will complete an intake and risk assessment, provide advice and support, and where appropriate connect you with a local PIR Outreach or Sobering Up Service for immediate assistance.

Whether you are seeking help for yourself or someone else experiencing public intoxication, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you find the right support.

How we can help

Our team can provide:

  • 24/7 telephone support
  • Intake and risk assessment for access to Sobering up and outreach services
  • Connection to Sobering Up Services and outreach services for immediate real time support
  • On the spot Alcohol and other drug (AOD) advice
  • Harm reduction support
  • Support to identify the most appropriate service in your local area