Because lockout laws and harsh alcohol restrictions are apparently one of the most important policies for government, there could be another major Australian city that is about to be gripped with the ridiculously restrictive legislation.
According to the Brisbane Times (via Pedestrian), the Queensland government are pushing hard for the introduction of both tough lockouts and limited serving of alcohol in Brisbane as an attempt to curb alcohol-fuelled violence in the capital city.
The labour government want a 1am lockout applied to pubs and clubs as well as a closing time of 3am as well as no serving of shots after 12am.
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Advocate for the new laws, Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath has stated that police will be granted the power to breathalyse any of those they believe to be drunk and disorderly, “so they have the evidence they need to prosecute licensees, managers and patrons who are breaching the Liquor Act.”
Explaining that there’s a mass of support behind this legislation, the Attorney-General continued, “Not only are these policies supported by the evidence, they’re also supported by everyday Queenslanders. The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education shows over 80 per cent of Queenslanders support 3am closing for pubs, clubs and bars and over 60 per cent support a 1am lockout.”
This isn’t the first attempt from government to implement such change on Brisbane’s nightlife, however last time the discussion was taken to the public the majority were not in favour of curfews, instead opting for a stronger presence of policing as well as heavier education and penalties.
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Naturally, the Queensland Government has been met with opposition.
Valley Liquor Accord Nick Braban who has previously campaigned against such proposals provided his counter to the suggested laws, “It is a reaction to a problem which will not go away if some venues close earlier.”
“Our concern is that closing the Valley down will simply kill small business, the majority of which are helping to change how adults consume alcohol by offering a quality over quantity experience…3am closures, 1am lockouts and 12am cessation of high alcohol drink service will force small, interesting, cutting edge businesses out and allow larger businesses predicated on quality offerings to survive, as they will be best able to ride out the medium term reset in attendance habits” he explained.
The tough curfew and drink restriction laws have not been passed yet, however if the example of Sydney in early 2014 is anything to go by, Brisbane could be staring down the barrel of a massive change to its after dark culture and late night business operations.
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Since curfew was placed on Sydney’s “entertainment precinct” small businesses and live music venues have expressed their continued disdain, with some establishments being forced to close from what they claim as a direct cause of the lockouts.
Not only that, but Sydney has also experienced a shift in nightlife, with many revellers now opting for DIY illegal raves and the like. Interestingly, Braban noted Brisbane would undergo the same movement, “We also think it is unrealistic to expert young people not to continue their ‘partying’ habits when bars and clubs close at 3am, or they are locked out at 1am. The party will continue in residential areas, with little to no supervision or control.”
Time will tell whether Brisbane will definitely fall victim to such strangling legislation, Ms D’Ath stating that the laws will come under review once consulting with researchers, academics, police and other stakeholders for assessment.
