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Enquiry into Alcohol-Related Violence

The Law, Justice & Safety Committee delivered its final report on the Enquiry into Alcohol-Related Violence on 18 March 2010. There has been substantial media commentary on a number of the recommendations in the report, with most of the attention focussing on the proposed changes in trading hours. However, the lack of data linking late trading to alcohol related violence and the strength of the current legislation, which makes it difficult to obtain permission to trade until 5 am and provides the Government with the means to remove the approval if necessary, raises questions about how effective this measure will be... read more

Another recommendation, which has not received nearly enough attention, is the prohibition of price based advertising of takeaway liquor. Similar to the advertising restrictions which apply to on-premises sales, we believe this could go a long way towards changing cultural attitudes to alcohol. Price controls have proven effective in reducing the harm associated with excess liquor consumption but the Trade Practices Act prevents their use. However, a ban on price based advertising for on-premises liquor sidestepped the TPA and led to a shift in focus from price to image. With off-premises sales representing 70-80% of liquor sales changing the focus in this market is a necessary step in changing cultural and societal attitudes...read more

It is worth noting that the Queensland Government has not yet indicated which of the recommendations will be adopted, and consultation is presently underway through industry groups including the Brisbane City Licensees Association and the Valley Liquor Accord.

OLGR Compliance Audit

A number of our clients have received a self assessment questionnaire from OLGR. The questionnaire focusses on compliance with the licensee's obligations under the Liquor Act 1992. A number of the licensees who complete the form can expect a site visit from OLGR compliance officers to confirm the accuracy of the information provided. If you have received a self assessment questionnaire and you need assistance in its completion, please call our office on 07 3252 4066. We can provide you with guidance on your obligations and assist you in rectifying any shortcomings the self assessment uncovers.

Changes to Security Providers Requirements

During a recent conversation with an experienced licensee, it came to light that he was unaware of amendments to the Liquor Act which changed his obligations regarding security providers. Before 1 January 2009 the Act required late traders in the Bribane City Council area to meet security ratios from 8 p. The relevant time is now 11 pm. The section below applies to premises within the BCC area permitted to trade after 1 am. However, this section does not apply on days when the premises chooses not to trade after 1 am. "142AG Conditions about crowd controllers It is a condition of the licensee’s licence that the licensee— (a) must ensure that at least the number of crowd controllers prescribed under a regulation are engaged in maintaining order in and around the licensed premises— (i) while the premises are open for business after 11p.m. during the trading period..." The section previously referred to the need for Security Providers to be engaged throughout the trading period ("trading period means the period starting at 8p.m. on any day and ending at 7a.m. on the following day"). This is a significant change for licensees who often have an excess of security providers in the relatively quiet earlier part of the evening.

Liquor & Gaming Specialists

Liquor & Gaming Specialists provides advice and guidance to licensees, business owners and others on all aspects of liquor and gaming licensing in Queensland. Our training organisation, LGS Training, is OLGR approved to deliver RMLV & RSA training in Queensland and also provides Responsible Gambling Services and Food Safety Supervisor training. To contact us, call 07 3252 4066 or visit www.lgs.net.au.

Green is the New Black

A far cry from the Toyota Prius but with similar "Green Credentials" the Porsche 918 Spyder is a new hybrid supercar unveiled at the Geneva motor show. This high performance vehicle claims acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, a top speed of 320 km/h but fuel consumption of only 3 litres per hundred kilometres. However, with an expected price tag of around AU$1 million, you will have to cover a lot of miles before seeing the benefit of the car's frugal fuel consumption.

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