The Queensland Government is continuing its assault on violent and anti-social behaviour in the state's entertainment precints.
Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Member for Brisbane Central Robert Cavallucci said the Safe Night Out advertising campaign, currently in effect, was the next step in a series of initiatives to encourage positive culture around alcohol and help ensure everyone can enjoy a good night out.
“Through the Safe Night Out campaign, we are taking action to help end unacceptable behaviour, with stronger penalties, targeted action by police and new initiatives to educate and prevent drug and alcohol-related violence."
scenestr was unable to identify any stakeholder, from industry, consumer to police, who disagreed with the initiative. Mr Cavallucci said the government had consulted with the Queensland community, and people clearly supported the need to change the culture around alcohol consumption, including the need to set clear standards of behaviour for patrons, licensees and police and ensure these standards are well communicated.
"The Queensland Government will continue to consult with community and industry on this important social issue. “We are rightly proud of our outdoor lifestyle in Queensland and the nightlife in our entertainment precincts across the state,” Mr Cavallucci said.
“The overwhelming majority of people go out to enjoy themselves with friends and family, but sadly there is still a minority of people who spoil a good night out for everyone with violence and anti-social behaviour."
scenestr did find that some people on social media thought the campaign actually meant actual red cards woud be produced in the face of people displaying unacceptable behaviour. This is not the case — the rollout includes a three-pronged approach of stonger penalties, targeted policing and better prevention.
Safe Night Precincts will be established to ensure effective local management of key entertainment areas. The precincts will be managed by local boards, who will operate as
incorporated associations. A number of areas have been identified as possible precincts in key entertainment areas including:
• Airlie Beach
• Ipswich CBD
• Broadbeach CBD
• Mackay CBD
• Bundaberg CBD
• Rockhampton CBD
• Brisbane CBD
• Sunshine Coast
• Caxton Street, Brisbane
• Surfers Paradise
• Cairns CBD
• Toowoomba CBD
• Fortitude Valley
• Townsville CBD
• Gladstone CBD
