Queensland nightclub owners slam 3am closure plan

Queensland nightclub owners have slammed a proposal by the Queensland state government to close licensed venues by 3 am and scrap the 3 am lockout policy introduced seven years ago. Such a move, hailed by the police, would affect 100 clubs which are licensed to operate after 3 am.

The early closing was a recommendation by a panel assembled by Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie to help overhaul the state’s liquor licensing, on the grounds it would curb alcohol-related violence. Casinos would be the only exception as their licence allows for 24-hour trading.

Nightclubs insist that any moves to reduce trading hours will not only put their businesses at risk but that of the state’s reliance on tourism.

They say that there are also risks of more violence when public transport is unable to cater for thousands of clubbers leaving at the same time. Up to 35,000 attend clubs in Surfers Paradise on Saturday nights. The Attorney-General’s panel had also emphasized the need for upgraded public transport and public education, to make the recommendations work.

Cairns Liquor Accord spokesman Dominic Davies argues that identification scanners and improved CCTV networks “are far more effective” in curbing violence.

Operators in Surfers Paradise are holding an emergency meeting today on how to protect their industry which they say employs almost 20,000 people and injects $3.5 billion into the local economy each year. Surfers Paradise Licensed Venue Association head Dave Barnes told the Gold Coast Bulletin that making the Drink Safe Precinct idea permanent was a more viable option.

Townsville Liquor Accord president Mark Napier urged the Government to consider statistics as a 41% reduction in overall offences and 27% drop in serious assaults in the city’s Drink Safe Precinct area.

Attorney-General Bleijieto is expected to make a decision within a few months.