Changes slash red tape for community events

Published Thursday, 23 May, 2013 at 05:21 AM

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
The Honourable Jarrod Bleijie

The Newman Government has passed new laws to make it easier for community groups to hold events without the need to obtain liquor permits.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said the Liquor and Gaming (Red Tape Reduction) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 made more than 20 changes to legislation that will reduce liquor and gaming red tape.

“These are common sense amendments,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Fundraisers like trivia nights and charity golf days organised by non-profit groups like P&Cs or Rotary will be able to serve a drink without needing a Community Liquor Permit from 1 July 2013.

“Many of the previous regulations and requirements were unnecessary and only created extra hassles for groups planning events.

“This legislation streamlines the licence application process for low risk venues such as restaurants and cafes.”

The amendments will also:

  • Scrap expensive risk-assessed management plans and community impact statements for low risk venues that apply for liquor licences, as long as they meet certain criteria
  • Save businesses from laborious application forms and unnecessary costs that run into the thousands
  • Bring regulations affecting nursing homes and hospitals into line with retirement villages by allowing the sale of small amounts of alcohol to patients and visitors without requiring a licence

“We trust Queenslanders to do the right thing and if they don’t, laws are in place to penalise them and remove the exemption,” Mr Bleijie said.

“This is not a nanny state and these laws get government off the backs of community groups and businesses.

 “These news laws are part of the first phase of the Newman Government’s commitment to reducing red tape by 20 per cent.”

[ENDS] 23 May 2013

Media Contact: Ashley McDermid 0412 731 355 or Katherine Hornbuckle 0402 862 351