Published Thursday, 24 January, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
ALCOHOL RELATED VIOLENCE FORCES CLOSURE OF MORNINGTON ISLAND HOTEL
The Leika Murrin Hotel on Mornington Island will be closed indefinitely from today following a series of incidents surrounding binge drinking, alcohol related violence and poor management, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said today.
Officers from the Government’s Liquor Licensing Division will travel to the Island today to serve a suspension notice on the Leika Murrin Hotel.
The hotel is owned and operated by the Mornington Island Council, which is negotiating with the Liquor Licensing Division to divest itself of the operation.
Ms Bligh said during the last three months of 2007 trading at the hotel has been suspended on three occasions due to incidents of alcohol fuelled violence.
“Recent incidents involving a break and enter at the hotel followed by an attack on local police officers are of great concern,” Ms Bligh said.
“Management of the hotel is clearly not up to scratch and it’s time for authorities to step in and take action.”
The hotel’s publican resigned from his position at the hotel effective 20 January.
Ms Bligh said suspension of the hotel licence will only be lifted upon:
• The approval of a new nominee;
• Completion of repairs to the hotel required to ensure its safe operation;
• Review and implementation of the house policy ensuring the responsible service and consumption of liquor; and
• An amendment of trading hours.
On Christmas Day and Boxing Day police were attacked with rocks following a break-in at the hotel.
To date all 16 offenders have been identified and charged in relation to the incident.
“Alcohol abuse is at the heart of so many of the problems in indigenous communities,” Ms Bligh said.
“The Government will continue to crack-down on licensed premises which do not strictly adhere to responsible serving laws.
“The Lelka Murrin Tavern will not re-open until major improvements have been made which will allow it to serve alcohol safely.”
Thursday January 24, 2008
Media contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500
Officers from the Government’s Liquor Licensing Division will travel to the Island today to serve a suspension notice on the Leika Murrin Hotel.
The hotel is owned and operated by the Mornington Island Council, which is negotiating with the Liquor Licensing Division to divest itself of the operation.
Ms Bligh said during the last three months of 2007 trading at the hotel has been suspended on three occasions due to incidents of alcohol fuelled violence.
“Recent incidents involving a break and enter at the hotel followed by an attack on local police officers are of great concern,” Ms Bligh said.
“Management of the hotel is clearly not up to scratch and it’s time for authorities to step in and take action.”
The hotel’s publican resigned from his position at the hotel effective 20 January.
Ms Bligh said suspension of the hotel licence will only be lifted upon:
• The approval of a new nominee;
• Completion of repairs to the hotel required to ensure its safe operation;
• Review and implementation of the house policy ensuring the responsible service and consumption of liquor; and
• An amendment of trading hours.
On Christmas Day and Boxing Day police were attacked with rocks following a break-in at the hotel.
To date all 16 offenders have been identified and charged in relation to the incident.
“Alcohol abuse is at the heart of so many of the problems in indigenous communities,” Ms Bligh said.
“The Government will continue to crack-down on licensed premises which do not strictly adhere to responsible serving laws.
“The Lelka Murrin Tavern will not re-open until major improvements have been made which will allow it to serve alcohol safely.”
Thursday January 24, 2008
Media contact: Premier’s Office – 3224 4500