CAIRNS AMATEURS COMPROMISE DETAILS AGREED
Published Monday, 27 August, 2007 at 05:42 PM
Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading, Wine Industry Development and Women
The Honourable Margaret Keech
The Cairns Amateurs Association has accepted full responsibility for all liquor licensing issues relating to the popular racing carnival.
Liquor Licensing Minister, Margaret Keech, today said the compromise had been brokered by the Beattie Government and agreed to by Cairns Jockey Club and the Cairns Amateurs Association.
“Public safety has to remain paramount and the Amateurs have agreed to work with the Liquor Licensing Division to address concerns relating to under-age drinking, anti-social behaviour and unacceptable levels of intoxication at previous carnivals,” Mrs Keech said.
“The agreement came after Liquor Licensing Division Executive Director, Chris Watters, convened further talks late Friday with the two race bodies.
“It was agreed at the meeting that the licensed footprint of the Cairns Jockey Club would be de-licensed for the Amateurs event and that a General Purpose Permit would be issued to the Amateurs, thereby making them fully responsible for all liquor licensing issues.
“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.”
Mrs Keech said she had been advised the Amateurs would implement a range of strategies in addition to the extensive event management planning already completed.
These safety measures include the deployment of extra security and police and the employment of staff trained in the responsible serving of alcohol in corporate marquees.
“The Amateurs will advise as to their Nominee and settle exact permit conditions with Liquor Licensing this week,” Mrs Keech said.
“The granting of a permit to the Amateurs will give the association total control of licensed areas on the racecourse.”
“This means they will be able to review the decisions of the Cairns Jockey Club to impose entry conditions on teenagers and to restrict the supply of alcohol to corporate guests.”
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.
“We do, however, have a responsibility – just as do event organisers and liquor licensees right across Queensland – to ensure we provide a safe environment for patrons and staff.
“Public safety is paramount at any event drawing big crowds and the Division will enforce the Liquor Act if breaches are detected in Cairns.”
In 2006, police made 34 arrests , issued 14 traffic infringement notices, made 2646 intercepts and conducted RBTs at the Amateurs.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3225 1005 / 0439 761 416
Liquor Licensing Minister, Margaret Keech, today said the compromise had been brokered by the Beattie Government and agreed to by Cairns Jockey Club and the Cairns Amateurs Association.
“Public safety has to remain paramount and the Amateurs have agreed to work with the Liquor Licensing Division to address concerns relating to under-age drinking, anti-social behaviour and unacceptable levels of intoxication at previous carnivals,” Mrs Keech said.
“The agreement came after Liquor Licensing Division Executive Director, Chris Watters, convened further talks late Friday with the two race bodies.
“It was agreed at the meeting that the licensed footprint of the Cairns Jockey Club would be de-licensed for the Amateurs event and that a General Purpose Permit would be issued to the Amateurs, thereby making them fully responsible for all liquor licensing issues.
“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.”
Mrs Keech said she had been advised the Amateurs would implement a range of strategies in addition to the extensive event management planning already completed.
These safety measures include the deployment of extra security and police and the employment of staff trained in the responsible serving of alcohol in corporate marquees.
“The Amateurs will advise as to their Nominee and settle exact permit conditions with Liquor Licensing this week,” Mrs Keech said.
“The granting of a permit to the Amateurs will give the association total control of licensed areas on the racecourse.”
“This means they will be able to review the decisions of the Cairns Jockey Club to impose entry conditions on teenagers and to restrict the supply of alcohol to corporate guests.”
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.
“We do, however, have a responsibility – just as do event organisers and liquor licensees right across Queensland – to ensure we provide a safe environment for patrons and staff.
“Public safety is paramount at any event drawing big crowds and the Division will enforce the Liquor Act if breaches are detected in Cairns.”
In 2006, police made 34 arrests , issued 14 traffic infringement notices, made 2646 intercepts and conducted RBTs at the Amateurs.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3225 1005 / 0439 761 416