Protest rallies across QLD over lockout laws

The No Curfew group’s two-and-a-half year battle against Queensland’s proposed statewide lockout laws, comes to a head this Saturday.

A number of industry groups will hold Save Our Nightlife rallies in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, the Sunshine Coast and Airlie Beach. There will be speeches and live performances from industry leaders, musicians and politicians. See the No Curfew Facebook page for details.

The changes in law will include a 1am venue lockout, no shots after midnight and closing times wound back to 3am.

No Curfew’s Alex Ghiculescu pointed out, "According to the Government DrinkSafe trial data, 99.9% of Queenslanders enjoy a night out without either committing crime, or becoming a victim of crime. The State Government's proposal is set to punish the majority of late night venue patrons, who do abide by the law.

"We want to celebrate our nightlife, and stand up for the Queensland community, young and old, who enjoy a night out, and those who have built their careers around this important part of our local fabric."

No Curfew describes itself as made up of non-politically aligned citizens annoyed with the little community consultation made before the laws were mooted.

Nick Braban, who is President of the Valley Liquor Accord and Secretary of Our Nightlife Queensland, said the new laws will not solve the problem. “It is a cultural problem, people indulge in poor behaviour because of ingrained attitudes to drinking.”

What he is concerned about is that, after the venues close, the drinking problem will spread out to other areas (which has been seen in Sydney), and that smaller venues will be forced to close. “It is the small venues that are working to create a safe experience in their environments.”

Our Nightlife Queensland, estimates that in one regional city like Townsville alone, 100 jobs could go from bars and nightclubs, and a loss of $6.4 million from the local economy.

Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath insists the new laws will be backed up with educational and awareness campaigns, and more police and liquor licensing inspectors in entertainment precincts. She said the proposed changes to the laws have the approval of the majority of Queenslanders.

“The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education shows over 80% of Queenslanders support 3am closing for pubs, clubs and bars and over 60% support a 1am lockout."