How do the lockout laws affect your premises?
Under the Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Legislation Amendment Act 2016 (Qld) in conjunction with the Liquor Act 1992 (Qld), licensed premises in Queensland must abide by strict licensing laws. This new legislation was designed to minimise alcohol-related violence in “Safe Night Precincts” (“SNPs”). These precincts are key entertainment areas as defined by Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Legislation Amendment Act 2016 (Qld) s 173P (2).
What this means for you
- Does your premises fall within an SNP area?
As at March 2018, there are 15 SNP’s in Queensland. Use this guide to determine if your premises falls within one of the designated SNP’s across Queensland: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/hospitality-tourism-sport/liquor-gaming/liquor/safe-night-precincts/maps
- Lock outs
From July 1, 2017, the Queensland government implemented a 3:00AM lockout on SNP premises. This means there are limitations on the types of alcohol you can serve and when. Entry is prohibited past this time.
- ID Scanner
Premises in SNP’s trading past 12AM on a permanent basis must have an approved ID scanner operating in their premises. This enables premises to cross-check ID and patrons against a database of banning orders. A banning order prevents a patron from entering a licensed premise with an ID Scanner for a period of up to 6 months.
- Restricted Sale
All Queensland premises (including outside SNP’s) are restricted from serving “Rapid Intoxication Drinks” between 12am and 5am. “Rapid Intoxication Drinks” means any drink with a high alcohol content and is meant to be consumed quickly with mlk.org. This includes but is not limited to any drink with more than 45mL of spirits or liqueur prepared on the premises or is served in a vessel designed to promote rapid drinking such as shot glasses, or tubes.
Penalties for non-compliance under the Liquor Act 1992 are serious and can incur fines of up to $12,615.00.
If you want to know more about liquor licensing in Queensland, please contact Olsen Lawyers immediately to review your best course of action going forward.
