Published Thursday, 14 February, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Treasurer
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
Normanby Hotel issued Show Cause by Liquor Licensing
Brisbane’s Normanby Hotel has been asked to show cause why its liquor licence should not be suspended after an on-going investigation by Liquor Licensing Division officers.
Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the hotel’s management had been issued with the show cause notice yesterday, which could result in penalties of $30,000, a suspension of their licence for one week, a cut-back in late night trading hours and a range of other restrictions.
“Investigators have documented over 50 incidents in and around the hotel over the past 12 months, including allegations of attacks on patrons and high levels of intoxication among patrons,” Mr Fraser said.
“Officers from the Division have attempted to work with licensee management at the hotel to improve public and patron safety in and around the premises during this time.”
As well as the suspension, the action seeks to impose new conditions on the licence, prohibiting the use of the hotel’s car park area as a bar service area and reducing Sunday trading hours.
The proposed conditions will also see the hotel increase its CCTV coverage, ban sales of alcohol in jugs and ban advertising promoting Sunday trading. The licensee mangement have a month to respond to the notice.
On the eve of attending a landmark meeting with Indigenous Mayors about alcohol abuse, Mr Fraser said:
“The Bligh Government will crack down on any licensed premises that do not meet their obligations for responsible service, no matter where they are.”
Meanwhile, today Mr Fraser tabled in the Parliament a Regulatory Impact Statement/Draft Public Benefit Test document which sets out in detail proposed amendments to Queensland’s Liquor Act, which will strengthen the obligations of licensees in regard to maintaining a safe environment.
The proposed reforms will see Queensland lead the way with one of the most significant alcohol reform programs in Australia.
Mr Fraser called for the industry and public to have their say in the final consultation paper.
“It’s imperative every person who holds a liquor licence has experienced, resilient and responsible management practices in place to guarantee the well-being of patrons and ensure public safety.
“The proposals include an overhaul - a streamlining - of our current liquor licensing system, offering a system of licensing that will be simpler and easier to administer, current short term permits will be replaced by annual licences and a new licence type will cater for small boutique bars and wine bars.
“Importantly, the proposals address operating hours for licensed premises, including the implementation of a new elevated risk permit for those establishments which want to trade outside of the standard hours of 10am to midnight – specifically between midnight and 3am and another for trading between 3am and 5am.
“They also propose a winding back of early opening.
“The introduction of annual liquor licence renewal fees, based on the risk that each licence presents, will ensure licensees contribute appropriately to the on-going costs of administering, managing and regulating the sale and consumption of liquor.
“This year we will also launch a major, hard-hitting public campaign on the dangers of binge drinking.
“Mandatory training requirements, a manager’s licence, recognising liquor accords and a ministerial banning power on irresponsible products, complete a balanced approach that ensures ongoing community safety.”
The proposed changes result from wide ranging industry and public consultation.
A copy of the consultation paper can be downloaded from the Liquor Licensing website at www.liquor.qld.gov.au or by calling 3239 0973.
14th February 2008
Media contacts:
Treasurer’s Office – Chris Taylor 3224 5982
Liquor Licensing Division - Kylie Hickling 3247 5963
Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the hotel’s management had been issued with the show cause notice yesterday, which could result in penalties of $30,000, a suspension of their licence for one week, a cut-back in late night trading hours and a range of other restrictions.
“Investigators have documented over 50 incidents in and around the hotel over the past 12 months, including allegations of attacks on patrons and high levels of intoxication among patrons,” Mr Fraser said.
“Officers from the Division have attempted to work with licensee management at the hotel to improve public and patron safety in and around the premises during this time.”
As well as the suspension, the action seeks to impose new conditions on the licence, prohibiting the use of the hotel’s car park area as a bar service area and reducing Sunday trading hours.
The proposed conditions will also see the hotel increase its CCTV coverage, ban sales of alcohol in jugs and ban advertising promoting Sunday trading. The licensee mangement have a month to respond to the notice.
On the eve of attending a landmark meeting with Indigenous Mayors about alcohol abuse, Mr Fraser said:
“The Bligh Government will crack down on any licensed premises that do not meet their obligations for responsible service, no matter where they are.”
Meanwhile, today Mr Fraser tabled in the Parliament a Regulatory Impact Statement/Draft Public Benefit Test document which sets out in detail proposed amendments to Queensland’s Liquor Act, which will strengthen the obligations of licensees in regard to maintaining a safe environment.
The proposed reforms will see Queensland lead the way with one of the most significant alcohol reform programs in Australia.
Mr Fraser called for the industry and public to have their say in the final consultation paper.
“It’s imperative every person who holds a liquor licence has experienced, resilient and responsible management practices in place to guarantee the well-being of patrons and ensure public safety.
“The proposals include an overhaul - a streamlining - of our current liquor licensing system, offering a system of licensing that will be simpler and easier to administer, current short term permits will be replaced by annual licences and a new licence type will cater for small boutique bars and wine bars.
“Importantly, the proposals address operating hours for licensed premises, including the implementation of a new elevated risk permit for those establishments which want to trade outside of the standard hours of 10am to midnight – specifically between midnight and 3am and another for trading between 3am and 5am.
“They also propose a winding back of early opening.
“The introduction of annual liquor licence renewal fees, based on the risk that each licence presents, will ensure licensees contribute appropriately to the on-going costs of administering, managing and regulating the sale and consumption of liquor.
“This year we will also launch a major, hard-hitting public campaign on the dangers of binge drinking.
“Mandatory training requirements, a manager’s licence, recognising liquor accords and a ministerial banning power on irresponsible products, complete a balanced approach that ensures ongoing community safety.”
The proposed changes result from wide ranging industry and public consultation.
A copy of the consultation paper can be downloaded from the Liquor Licensing website at www.liquor.qld.gov.au or by calling 3239 0973.
14th February 2008
Media contacts:
Treasurer’s Office – Chris Taylor 3224 5982
Liquor Licensing Division - Kylie Hickling 3247 5963