COMPROMISE ALLOWS TEENS TO ENJOY A DAY AT THE RACES
Published Friday, 24 August, 2007 at 01:08 PM
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
August 24, 2007
The Beattie Government has brokered a compromise that clears the way for teenagers to attend the Cairns Amateurs Carnival and for alcohol to be served to adult guests in corporate tents.
Deputy Premier Anna Bligh announced the negotiated compromise this morning, after the Liquor Licensing Division agreed the liquor licence for the two-day carnival could be transferred from the Cairns Jockey Club to the Cairns Amateurs Association.
“The granting of a permit to the Amateurs will give the association total control of licensed areas on the racecourse,” Ms Bligh said.
“This means they will be able to overturn the decisions of the Cairns Jockey Club to impose entry conditions on teenagers and to restrict the supply of alcohol to corporate guests.
“The decision to transfer the licence is a result of the Amateurs’ willingness to accept responsibility for taking measures to ensure the function is run safely, responsibly and professionally.
“Public safety has to remain paramount and the Amateurs have agreed to work with the Liquor Licensing Division to address anti-social behaviour and unacceptable levels of intoxication at previous carnivals.
“The compromise is a sensible outcome and a good result for all parties.”
Mrs Bligh said further discussions relating to licence conditions would take place this afternoon in Cairns.
Liquor Licensing Minister Margaret Keech said the agreement would help ensure the success of the Amateurs.
“This annual carnival attracts patrons from around Australia and the world,” Mrs Keech said.
“I asked the Liquor Licensing Division to reactivate negotiations with the two race clubs after they reached a stalemate over how to deal with the concerns relating to under-age drinking and intoxication on course.
“Some agreement was reached yesterday, and more progress has been made today.
“The final licence conditions will be determined at the meeting this afternoon. They will be based on the proposal put forward by the Division almost two weeks ago.”
Mrs Keech said Liquor Licensing had been working with the clubs for some time to help them prepare a major events plan with a focus on public safety.
“There was disagreement between the clubs about some of the points,” she said
“The Government wants to help ensure the success of events such as the Cairns Amateurs, not make things difficult for organisers.”
More information: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900
Minister Keech’s Office 3224 2004
The Beattie Government has brokered a compromise that clears the way for teenagers to attend the Cairns Amateurs Carnival and for alcohol to be served to adult guests in corporate tents.
Deputy Premier Anna Bligh announced the negotiated compromise this morning, after the Liquor Licensing Division agreed the liquor licence for the two-day carnival could be transferred from the Cairns Jockey Club to the Cairns Amateurs Association.
“The granting of a permit to the Amateurs will give the association total control of licensed areas on the racecourse,” Ms Bligh said.
“This means they will be able to overturn the decisions of the Cairns Jockey Club to impose entry conditions on teenagers and to restrict the supply of alcohol to corporate guests.
“The decision to transfer the licence is a result of the Amateurs’ willingness to accept responsibility for taking measures to ensure the function is run safely, responsibly and professionally.
“Public safety has to remain paramount and the Amateurs have agreed to work with the Liquor Licensing Division to address anti-social behaviour and unacceptable levels of intoxication at previous carnivals.
“The compromise is a sensible outcome and a good result for all parties.”
Mrs Bligh said further discussions relating to licence conditions would take place this afternoon in Cairns.
Liquor Licensing Minister Margaret Keech said the agreement would help ensure the success of the Amateurs.
“This annual carnival attracts patrons from around Australia and the world,” Mrs Keech said.
“I asked the Liquor Licensing Division to reactivate negotiations with the two race clubs after they reached a stalemate over how to deal with the concerns relating to under-age drinking and intoxication on course.
“Some agreement was reached yesterday, and more progress has been made today.
“The final licence conditions will be determined at the meeting this afternoon. They will be based on the proposal put forward by the Division almost two weeks ago.”
Mrs Keech said Liquor Licensing had been working with the clubs for some time to help them prepare a major events plan with a focus on public safety.
“There was disagreement between the clubs about some of the points,” she said
“The Government wants to help ensure the success of events such as the Cairns Amateurs, not make things difficult for organisers.”
More information: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900
Minister Keech’s Office 3224 2004