NEW TACTICS TO SHOCK YOUNG DRINKERS

The Beattie Government is using shock tactics to convince young people to adopt more responsible drinking practices.

Liquor Licensing Minister Margaret Keech today praised the 28 licensed premises in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast taking part in a pilot patron education campaign – Know your limits.

“The campaign is a joint initiative of the Liquor Licensing Division and the Queensland Police Service and is based on a successful British campaign running for the past three years,” Mrs Keech said.

“Posters and coasters have been distributed to all participating premises. They depict young people clearly in frightening situations after consuming too much alcohol. The in-your-face posters will remind patrons of the need to be responsible and not to exceed their limits when drinking.

“It is of great concern to me to hear of the number of young women who go out with friends and drink themselves into oblivion – sometimes into unconsciousness.

“The simple message in this campaign is: don’t get legless. You are putting yourself at great risk – to your health and from sexual predators.

“The message for young men is that over-indulgence can lead to fights, or the watchhouse.”

Mrs Keech said the need for responsible alcohol consumption was obvious.

“We’ll test the messages and the delivery method in a pilot situation so we can measure their impact on patron behaviour in and around these premises before we move to a Statewide campaign,” she said.

“The pilot campaign was developed in consultation between the Liquor Licensing Division, Queensland Police, Queensland Health and licensees.

“We recognise the efforts of licensees and police in addressing the safe and responsible provision of alcohol and will continue to work with them to encourage responsible patron behaviour.”

Media contacts:

Minister’s Office: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007

Liquor Licensing Division: Kylie Hickling 3247 5963


The posters are available electronically by contacting the persons above.