By Triana O'Keefe, editor – Australian Hotelier
The Queensland Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackle alcohol-related violence by announcing it will push ahead with plans to roll out a 1am lockout, no shots after midnight and a closing time of 3am.
Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said the police would also be given the power to breathalyse disorderly persons “so they have the evidence they need to prosecute licensees, managers and patrons who are breaching the Liquor Act.”
“We’ll back these laws up with intelligence-led policing and increased liquor licensing inspections as well as education and awareness campaigns,” she said.
D’Ath explained that research conducted by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education has revealed over 80 per cent of Queenslanders support the proposed 3am closing time and over 60 per cent support a 1am lockout.
However, head of the Valley Liquor Accord Nick Braban said the regulations would have negative impacts on the economy and highlighted existing law and order issues within the entertainment zones.
“It is a reaction to a problem which will not go away if some venues close earlier,” he said.
“Anti-social behaviour is a cultural problem, not an operational one.”
Presently, there has been no confirmation of a date of introduction for these laws, with a lengthy consultation process promised.
“Over the coming months we’ll be talking to licensees, academics and researchers, police, doctors and nurses, ambulance officers, anti-violence campaigners, drug and alcohol research bodies and others as we work to implement these critical initiatives to keep Queenslanders safe,” D’Ath added.