Brisbane CBD Liquor Partnership accord — a milestone for a public safety

Public safety in Brisbane’s inner-city reached a milestone today with the official launch of the Central Business District Liquor Partnership accord.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the accord was a significant tool in providing for the entertainment needs of the inner city’s licensed premises and entertainment venue patrons, as well as the long-term safety of visitors, residents and businesses.

“The CBD Liquor Partnership Accord represents a proactive, responsible and long-term approach to alcohol management by local licensees,” Mr Pitt said.

“The bottom line is to reduce the incidence of alcohol-related harm in and around licensed premises.

“The Department of Communities and Brisbane City Council have now provided joint funding for liquor accords in the CBD, Caxton Street and the Valley entertainment precincts.

Measures which had already proved successful in the Caxton Street and Valley precincts included:

• introducing the Queensland Health “Safer Venues” initiative
• trialling the “Skipper” designated driver program, a joint initiative of the Queensland Police Service and Queensland Transport
• constructing pedestrian barriers for crowd control
• reducing speed limits in and around entertainment precincts
• implementing a strategy to enhance the dispersal of patrons and improve safety at taxi ranks.

Mr Pitt said the innovative project was being implemented as part of the Inner City Community Safety Strategy as well as Premier Beattie’s 17-point safety action plan.

“The strategy and the 17-point plan continue to demonstrate the benefits of government, business and the community all working together - to address issues of common interest and concern,” Mr Pitt said.

“The accord also supports the goals of the Queensland Crime Prevention Strategy – Building Safer Communities, which highlights the need to increase public safety and promote best practice in responsible liquor management”, he said.

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4280