QLD’s ’Safe Night Out’ plan hailed the most “well-thought out” in Australia

The Valley Liquor Accord (VLA), which was formed to represent clubs and live music venues in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley entertainment precinct, has hailed the Queensland Government’s ‘Safe Night Out’ strategy as “the most comprehensive and well-thought out plan seen in Australia.”

The draft offers ways to combat drunken violence, many of which involve re-educating the public. The plan is to drive a cultural shift around drinking and violence, much in the way we saw a decrease in drink-driving once attitudes regarding the practice changed. The draft does suggest the installation of mandatory ID scanners, and tougher penalties for violence, while proposing a moratorium on restricting late night trading hours, until August 31. The VLA added, “We are keen to see how some of the new powers and penalties will work in practice.”

Campbell Newman, the Queensland Premier, said in his foreword that most Queensland “drink and behave responsibly when in public, so we are not about lecturing Queenslanders on their drinking habits”, acknowledging that extra policing and tougher penalties are not adequate safeguards against violence.

“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 February, the Opposition pushed for a 1am lockout and the restriction of alcohol service in venues at 3am, mirroring the draconian laws currently in place in Sydney (though not in the zone where the Star Casino lies, funnily enough).

Councillor Vicki Howard, who represents the Fortitude Valley precinct, hit back at these proposals, saying cutting back hours would affect the livelihood of venue operators and undermine the city’s current construction plans, stating: “We’re not spending $4 million to revitalise Brunswick Street mall to send people to bed early.”