The Queensland State Government has come out in full force against reports they’re planning on breathalysing late night punters inside licensed venues, saying such practices have never been part of their plan to curb “alcohol-fuelled violence” in the state.
As Tone Deaf reported last week, after a story in the Gold Coast Bulletin alleged Queensland’s new lockout laws will include a provision which allows police to randomly breathalyse punters inside venues, local residents were in uproar.
“I understand violence is a problem but this is going too far,” said Tugun student Brittany Lewis. “I don’t understand how you can hold bar staff responsible for someone’s blood alcohol content and everyone has a different limit.”
According to the Gold Coast Bulletin, as part of Queensland’s new anti-violence measures, Queensland clubs could risk fines of up to $56,000 if patrons are continually found to be “highly-intoxicated”.
Police, they alleged, would be issuing random breathalyser tests inside venues and if a blood alcohol reading of 0.15 was returned, they could press charges against the punter and the club. However, the Government are calling foul.
In a media release issued by the Queensland Government on Friday, State Attorney General Yvette D’Ath confirmed police would be breathlysing punters inside venues, only the tests will not be conducted at random.
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“There is no plan to random breath-test drinkers and there never has been,” the statement read. Meanwhile, a representative from the office of Ms D’Ath told inthemix that the Gold Coast Bulletin, who first reported on the story, had their wires crossed.
Under a law implemented by the previous State Government, punters displaying violent behaviour can be breath tested by police. If the punter is found to have a very high blood alcohol reading, this information could potentially be used to build a case against licensees in court.
“Allowing police to breathalyse drunken patrons will help them to build cases for prosecution for court,” Ms D’Ath had told the Gold Coast Bulletin. However, the representative told inthemix the Government has “absolutely” no plans of implementing random breath tests.
However, the Government will be pressing on with their plans to introduce NSW-style lockout laws across the state. The new laws are tipped to be introduced into parliament in September and will include such provisions as a 1am lockout, 3am last drinks, and a ban on high-alcohol drinks after midnight.
