Restaurants and clubs to get extended hours at Games time

Gold Coast restaurants and licensed venues will be able to serve alcohol for an extra hour during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games to accommodate late night events and showcase the Coast’s vibrant night life.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones today announced the extended liquor hours as part of the government’s commitment to a successful family-friendly Games.

From 3 – 17 April, all 162 licensed cafes and restaurants on the Gold Coast will be able to serve alcohol until 1am or 2am during the Games, and licensed venues in Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise Safe Night Precincts can serve drinks until 1am or 4am, depending on their current liquor license hours.

“Giving all venues an extra hour liquor trading will allow more local businesses to make the most of our biggest event this decade,” Ms Jones said.

“We’ve consulted with tourism chiefs and City of Gold Coast, listened to local businesses and heeded community concerns and believe we’ve found the perfect balance for Games time.

“We want to cater for international tourists accustomed to a late night dining culture and ensure visitors can experience all that is great about the Gold Coast.

“With a massive sports program and the Queensland’s biggest ever arts and culture festival the Gold Coast will come alive for the Commonwealth Games.

“These extended hours will be automatic – there’ll be no need for businesses to apply for extended liquor licenses and there’ll be no expense involved.”

Ms Jones said licensed venues in Safe Night Precincts could apply to stay open even longer if they choose to use their allocation of special permits.

“Those venues can also apply for extra temporary extended trading hours permits to cater for late night events – like the opening ceremony and late night sports program on Friday 13 April – allowing them to serve alcohol until 5am.

“For such a special once-in-a-generation event, we will also waive the application fees for licensed venues choosing to use their allocation of late night permits during the Games.”

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said international athletes’ GOLDOC accreditation passes would be recognised as sufficient ID to enter licensed venues in SNPs.

“In addition, as part of our welcome packs and communications with all athletes, we will recommend they carry their passports or licenses, to ensure quickest scanned entry,” Ms D’Ath said.

Scanner manufacturers have been provided with a full list of all 70 nations competing in the games.

ID scanning is only required after 10pm in licensed venues in Safe Night Precincts which have licensing hours which allow trade beyond midnight. Venues who don’t currently require ID scanners now will not need to install them for the Games.

Media:

Minister Jones: 0419 620 447

Attorney-General: 0417 675 917