The Queensland Government's 'Safe Night Out' strategy has been hailed as the best in Australia by Fortitude Valley venue owners.
The Music Network reports that the Valley Liquor Accord (VLA), formed to represent clubs and live music venues in Fortitude Valley, has called the Safe Night Out draft "the most comprehensive and well-thought out plan seen in Australia".
They would say that, of course, because the plan doesn't require venues to close earlier (in fact, it proposes a moratorium on restricting late night trading hours).
Instead, the plan revolves around tougher penalties for violence, re-educating the public and changing the culture around drinking and violence (in much the same way that cultural attitudes towards drink driving have changed).
The plan does require venues to install mandatory ID scanners.
In his foreword to the draft, Premier Campbell Newman says most Queenslanders "drink and behave responsibly when in public", but acknowledges that the culture needs to change.
"We need to change the culture that leads to anti-social and disruptive behaviour, not only at our nightspots, but in every corner of the state as well. That is why this draft Action Plan calls on all Queenslanders to get involved. Of course, the patrons, licensees and law enforcement agencies have a key role to play, but so do our schools, local governments and community organisations.
"For example, we are ready to introduce an extensive schools-based education campaign so our young people know what sort of behaviour is expected of them when they reach drinking age. Just as the culture around drink-driving has changed, so too must community attitudes to excessive drinking and drug use."
In other words, guys, #Dontbeadickhead.
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