Sky News Published: 1:35 pm, Thursday, 30 June 2016
Queensland clubs and bars are bracing for the angry wrath of patrons when new liquor laws come into effect this weekend.
Nick Braban, who chairs the Valley Liquor Accord which represents 62 licensees in the Fortitude Valley, says the state government has not done enough to spread the word about the changes and he’s concerned the burden will fall on staff.
‘The Valley is a well run precinct but the punters will be confused about what the new laws are and staff are really going to have to convey the message that should have been delivered by government,’ Mr Braban told AAP.
’We are concerned staff, security and management will become a flash point for conflict because people don’t understand what is going on.’
Under the new laws, licensed premises can only operate until 2am, unless they are within a designated safe night precinct, like Fortitude Valley, where the closing time is 3am.
The ban on the sale and supply of rapid intoxication drinks after midnight includes jelly shots, bombs and those containing more than 45 millilitres of spirits or liqueur.
Mr Braban is urging patrons to head out earlier so their evening isn’t cut short by the new laws.
A lockout of 1am at all venues will start in February.
The Taxi Council of Queensland will monitor the movement of patrons over the coming weeks to determine if any changes, including the relocation or extension of ranks, are required.
Gold Coast Cabs CEO Gordana Blazevic said the change in licensing hours is likely to cause issues during times when major events are held.
Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said the government has taken measures to inform the public including running ads for ‘more than a week’ and in-venue signage.
‘The government has also been running radio and print advertisements for more than a week to make sure information about these changes, which honour an election commitment, is publicly available,’ she told AAP.