The Queensland Labor government’s proposed 1am lockout law has been met with opposition from stakeholders across the state.
The laws would see venues, state-wide, adhering to 1am lockouts and 3am closing times, as well as restrictions on the types of drinks sold after 1am.
This proposal is the second state Labor move against venues and patrons in as many terms. A video report by JTV in 2007 delved into the then-Labor government's 3am lockout policy. Eight years on, they're seeking to wind back a further two hours.
Our Nightlife Queensland is an organisation which represents many of those who rely upon the entertainment industries for their livelihood, and say they are attempting to get their voices heard on the issue. “We have only managed to meet a small amount of backbenchers so far… we attended a stakeholder’s forum on 6 August with over 40 other stakeholders from industry and the public health sector. Whilst this is an important first step on the road, much more needs to happen.”
Through their research, Our Nightlife Queensland has estimated as many as "70 venues across the state could close. This does not take into account the wide-ranging effects on self-employed suppliers to the industry such as: musicians, DJs, graphic designers and promoters.”
One venue operator contacted scenestr declaring, "I know for sure that most venues will close in Fortitude Valley if this is implemented... I have been contacted by Gold Coast venues who are also concerned."
Paul Robinson, owner of the New Globe Theatre in the Fortitude Valley entertainment precinct, said although his venue doesn’t trade into the early hours, he is dissatisfied with Labor’s classification of ‘problem’ venues. “[The lockouts] won't affect my business...but I'm at a loss as to work out why a live music venue, such as mine, which hasn't had one violent incident since November 2013 when I opened, is considered a problem that needs an earlier closing. I guess the thing I found most offensive about it, is that they've just announced a 24-hour-licensed casino. That's just insane; the government has got its priorities way wrong.”
Another Fortitude Valley venue owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said their “pre-drinking” venue may not suffer from an early lockout, yet expressed concern about some of the drink restrictions the lockout laws may come with. “I think it's going to put all the venues on a level playing field... the only thing I don't agree with is the no-cocktails after 1 o'clock, that's ridiculous. If that comes in, a lot of venues will shut down, because a lot of venues rely on their cocktails. Not so much shots, but when it comes down to it, shots are the same as a cocktail.”
The Queensland Labor Party, Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Police Service were contacted for comment, but declined to do so.
