Liquor red tape slashed

The Newman Government continues to deliver on its commitment to slash red tape with a range of liquor licensing reforms approved by Cabinet this week.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the reforms would reduce the burden on small business.

“These are common sense changes that will help businesses and support one of Queensland’s four pillars – tourism,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Until now, tour operators would have to apply for special licenses for every single one of their vessels or vehicles and require ‘approved managers’ just to serve one or two drinks.

“That was costly, complex, burdensome and unnecessary.

“Under these changes, tour operators will be allowed to serve small amounts of alcohol to their guests without requiring a license.

“It will be limited to two standard drinks per adult and will be a convenient gesture of hospitality to holiday makers.

“Our reforms will also free Queensland’s restaurants, cafes and small community clubs of burdensome red tape.

“These types of licensed venues will no longer require an approved manager to be on site if they don’t operate past midnight. Licensed vessels will also no longer have this requirement.

“Over regulation of low risk venues is unnecessary and simply stifles small business.”

Other reforms include:

·         Removing the requirement for licensees to keep training register about Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA).

·         Allowing licensees to pay their fees in instalments if they suffer significant hardship.

“The Newman Government is committed to reducing business red tape by 20 per cent and we are well on our way to achieving that,” he said.

“We are ensuring Queensland’s small businesses are allowed to reach their full potential and in turn promote our great state.”

[ENDS] 27 August 2013

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