Published Thursday, 12 November, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
No kidding when it comes to Schoolies and alcohol
Police and liquor licensing officers will be out in force at this year’s Schoolies celebrations, Minister responsible for Liquor Licensing Peter Lawlor told Parliament today.
“Underage drinking, drinking in public places and the irresponsible supply of alcohol to minors by parents will be under the spotlight with hefty penalties for those caught out,” Mr Lawlor said.
“While Schoolies is an enjoyable experience for many school-leavers, the consequences for those engaging in excessive alcohol consumption are far worse than a hangover.
“This government will not tolerate underage drinking and the associated injuries and antisocial behaviours that all too often come with it.
“Statistically 67 per cent of teenagers are assaulted or abused while under the influence of alcohol.
“It would be gross negligence for us to not take a tough stance on this issue.”
Between 20 and 29 November compliance officers from the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation will visit Schoolies hot spots around the State. They will be checking venues have responsible service of alcohol practices, appropriate security measures to check ID as people enter licensed premises and monitor crowds. They will also be watching out for the unlawful supply of liquor to minors.
Mr Lawlor said the Bligh Government is currently running the Don’t Kid Yourself advertisements in the lead up to Schoolies to remind parents of the dangers of providing under-age teens with alcohol.
“The campaign was highly successful last year, with a noticeable drop in the amount of intoxicated youths wandering the streets at Gold Coast Schoolies,” he said.
“Unfortunately there are still some parents who believe it’s ok to supply their underage children with alcohol during schoolies.
“These parents face an $8000 fine for supplying alcohol irresponsibly to their teens.”
The advertisements will run across Queensland for three weeks from November 2009 and is timed to deliver key messages to parents before Schoolies on 21-28 November 2009. The campaign also includes a brochure titled A Parents’ Guide to Alcohol and a Safer Schoolies.
“This campaign will graphically illustrate the dangers of doing so, and we hope it will avoid the need to confiscate alcohol and issue tough fines.”
ENDS
Media contacts
Ministers’ Office – 3225 1005
Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation: 3247 5963
“Underage drinking, drinking in public places and the irresponsible supply of alcohol to minors by parents will be under the spotlight with hefty penalties for those caught out,” Mr Lawlor said.
“While Schoolies is an enjoyable experience for many school-leavers, the consequences for those engaging in excessive alcohol consumption are far worse than a hangover.
“This government will not tolerate underage drinking and the associated injuries and antisocial behaviours that all too often come with it.
“Statistically 67 per cent of teenagers are assaulted or abused while under the influence of alcohol.
“It would be gross negligence for us to not take a tough stance on this issue.”
Between 20 and 29 November compliance officers from the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation will visit Schoolies hot spots around the State. They will be checking venues have responsible service of alcohol practices, appropriate security measures to check ID as people enter licensed premises and monitor crowds. They will also be watching out for the unlawful supply of liquor to minors.
Mr Lawlor said the Bligh Government is currently running the Don’t Kid Yourself advertisements in the lead up to Schoolies to remind parents of the dangers of providing under-age teens with alcohol.
“The campaign was highly successful last year, with a noticeable drop in the amount of intoxicated youths wandering the streets at Gold Coast Schoolies,” he said.
“Unfortunately there are still some parents who believe it’s ok to supply their underage children with alcohol during schoolies.
“These parents face an $8000 fine for supplying alcohol irresponsibly to their teens.”
The advertisements will run across Queensland for three weeks from November 2009 and is timed to deliver key messages to parents before Schoolies on 21-28 November 2009. The campaign also includes a brochure titled A Parents’ Guide to Alcohol and a Safer Schoolies.
“This campaign will graphically illustrate the dangers of doing so, and we hope it will avoid the need to confiscate alcohol and issue tough fines.”
ENDS
Media contacts
Ministers’ Office – 3225 1005
Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation: 3247 5963