NO DOUBLE STANDARD ON LIQUOR PERMITS

There is no double standard when it comes to issuing liquor licences – every applicant faces scrutiny, says Liquor Licensing Minister Margaret Keech.

Mrs Keech said Liquor Licences and permits were only issued after close consultation between the Liquor Licensing Division and Police, no matter who the applicant.

Mrs Keech said three motorcycle clubs – one each in Mackay, Rockhampton and Townsville - had been issued permits by the Liquor Licensing Division.

"These licences and permits are not issued lightly. They are a privilege, not a right and are issued only after strict checks are conducted on applicants. The holders of these permits are closely monitored by Police and Liquor Licensing,” Mrs Keech said.

"In each of these cases, the permits were issued only after criminal history and other probity checks were carried out by the Liquor Licensing Division in consultation with Police. There was no evidence on which the Division could have rejected the applications.

“All licence and permit holders are required to abide by the Liquor Act, including applicable conditions, such as the 3am lockout. Any breach can result in suspension or loss of a licence or permit, no matter who the licensee or permit holder is.”

Police Minister Judy Spence said police worked closely with Liquor Licensing to monitor compliance.

“It is better that members of outlaw motorcycle gangs and their associates consume liquor in their own clubhouses instead of hotels and other licensed premises as long as they obey the law,” Ms Spence said

“The three motorcycle clubs in question operate under permits with strict conditions that include restricted hours trading on certain days, serving alcohol only to members and invited guests."

The Rockhampton club’s Restricted Club Permit allows it to serve alcohol until 3am two days a week. The 3am lockout does not apply in this instance as it only applies to premises which are licensed to serve liquor past 3am.

The permit held by the club in Mackay is a General Purpose Permit which is essentially a special event permit, allowing the sale of liquor between 3pm and midnight only on specific nominated dates expiring on 25 May 2007.

The West End Townsville Restricted Club Permit allows the sale of alcohol until 5am and the club is subject to 3am lockout conditions. Liquor Licensing has received no information that this club has breached the lockout conditions.

Minister Keech media contact: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005 or 0421 611 989

Minister Spence media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6218 or 0439 673 287

Liquor Licensing Division media contact: Kylie Hickling, 3247 5963