This report describes the thinking behind, and the results of a research project funded by DrinkWise Australia, aimed at developing a practical and scientifically rigorous research design, tailored to local conditions in selected parts of Australia and New Zealand and which allows the generation of persuasive evidence about the effectiveness in reducing violence. This 12 month project does not itself involve the implementation of any interventions; rather, the aim is to produce a plan describing the approaches that will probably work best in different settings to reduce bar violence. Through careful design and comparison between different areas, using standardised data collection methods to measure outcomes, it is hoped that light will be thrown on the effectiveness (in relation to context) of the different strands of a proposed comprehensive regulatory model that incorporates training, enforcement and community action in some kind of optimal mix.