The Queensland Coalition for Action on Alcohol (QCAA) has welcomed new legislation to combat alcohol-fuelled violence.
The Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Legislation Amendment Bill 2015, which was introduced into State Parliament in November, was successfully passed overnight after Premier The Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk secured majority support.
The move will see all licensed pubs and clubs across the state stop serving alcohol at 2am from as soon as 1 July 2016.
Venues located in a safe night out precinct will call last drinks at 3am, with a 1am one-way door coming into effect from 1 February 2017.
The legislation also includes a ban on high alcohol content drinks, such as shots, being sold after midnight.
QCAA Chairman Professor Jake Najman congratulated the Palaszczuk Government for delivering on its election commitment to address the issue of alcohol.
“This is a huge win for the people of Queensland. Such sensible, modest restrictions on trading hours have been proven time and time again to be effective at reducing risky drinking behaviours and preventing alcohol harms. I commend Premier Palaszczuk and her team for its bold leadership vision and unwavering support for evidence-based reform,” says Professor Najman.
Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) Chief Executive, Michael Thorn was pleased the parliamentary vote reflected the strong levels of community support – after a recent Galaxy poll found three quarters of Queenslanders were in favour of the proposed late-night trading measures.
“I applaud the Queensland Government’s announcement on trading hour restrictions. By reducing the late night availability of alcohol, the state will reduce the unacceptably high levels of preventable alcohol-related assaults, hospitalisations and deaths. This legislation will indisputably save lives and contribute to a much a safer and healthier community,” Mr Thorn said.
