QUEENSLANDERS URGED TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY THIS EASTER

Liquor Licensing Minister Margaret Keech today reminded all Queenslanders about trading hours for licensed premises over Easter.

Mrs Keech said licensed premises were only permitted to trade until 12 midnight on the Thursday before Good Friday, even if they normally stayed open longer.

“While service from the bar must finish at midnight, patrons will have until 12.30am to finish drinks and leave the premises,” Mrs Keech said.

“The only types of premises permitted to trade past 12 midnight on the Thursday are those with an on-premise (cabaret) licence.

“In this instance, trading is permitted until 3am Good Friday morning. Patrons will need to leave the premises by 3.30am.

“Venues offering adult entertainment can continue to trade until 3am but cannot provide adult entertainment after 12 midnight.

“On Good Friday, licensed premises can open at their usual time.

“However, patrons will only be able to buy or be supplied alcohol while eating a meal prepared on the premises and eaten in an area of the premises ordinarily set aside for dining.

“Otherwise, licensed premises can open at 12 midnight on Good Friday and trade to their normal closing time on Saturday morning.”

Bottleshops were not allowed to trade on Good Friday, she said.

On Easter Sunday and Monday, all licensed premises will continue their usual opening hours.

Mrs Keech urged all Queenslanders to drink responsibly over the Easter break.

“We want people to enjoy themselves, but to be responsible at the same time,” she said.

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

“We need to work together to remind patrons of the need to be responsible and not to exceed their limits when drinking.

“The Beattie Government has in place a pilot scheme designed to teach patrons about the potential consequences of binge drinking.

“The Know Your Limits education campaign uses shock tactics to remind young people about the effects of irresponsible drinking through a series of posters and coasters being trialled at venues in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.

“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.”

Mrs Keech said the pilot campaign was developed in consultation between the Liquor Licensing Division, Queensland Police, Queensland Health and licensees.

Media contact: Kylie Hickling (Liquor Licensing Division) 3247 5963

Ministers’ Office – Joanne Gibbons 3225 1005