Cairns patron bans on the way
Posted by editor (editor) on Aug 12 2010
2010 >>

The Cairns City Licensee Safety Association has delivered several initiatives designed to deliver long-term improvements to the Cairns CBD, and are on the cusp of their next hard-hitting measure.

Minister responsible for liquor regulation, Peter Lawlor MP today visited the Cairns liquor accord to hear about their latest initiatives and congratulate their ongoing hard work.

“I am constantly impressed by the commitment of these voluntary groups, who put in place measures to ensure the safety of their patrons and the community,” Minister Lawlor said.

“The group works in collaboration with the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, police and the local council to put in place harm minimisation strategies that reduce incidents, provide safer venues and manage patrons in a more effective way.

Member for Cairns Desley Boyle said liquor accords were one of the best ways communities can improve safety while helping to reduce alcohol-related harm.

“It is great to hear Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation staff in Cairns praise the wonderful work of accords in Far North Queensland,” Ms Boyle said.

“I congratulate the Cairns City Licensee Safety Association for taking the bull by the horns.

“The association has already introduced an effective drink promotions policy and set up a radio connection with council security.

“The association’s latest initiative – a potential patron banning scheme – will go that extra mile and say loudly that problem drinking will not be tolerated here.”

There are now more than 80 liquor accords across the State, with nine other accords in the Far North Queensland region.

The Cairns City Licensee Safety Association, formed in 1997, broadened its membership in 2009 and now has 38 members.

Accord coordinator Paul Garnham said the active group of Cairns licensees were now considering a patron banning scheme, following success in other regional areas.

“We’ll be looking at a banning scheme in a few of our late trading venues – which we’ll be discussing in more detail at our next meeting,” Mr Garnham said.

“Another liquor accord in the Far North Queensland region has already successfully implemented a scheme like this, so we’ve been sharing information and working out how it could work in a bigger area like Cairns.”

“From all the other measures we’ve so far put in place, it’s evident that when everyone works together, things get done – venues in numbers are more effective than trying to do it alone.”

The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation and Queensland Police Service strongly support and participate in the accord.

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt, who also attended today’s meeting said liquor accords in his electorate were recently commended for taking a tough stance on unacceptable patron behaviour.

“Earlier this year the Tully Liquor Accord banned an 18 year old Tully Heads man from local pubs and hotels for life in what was one of the toughest moves yet against alcohol-related problems,” he said.

“Liquor accord initiatives are working. Anti-social behaviour in the local licensed premises has dropped to record lows since the inception of the Tully Liquor Accord three years ago.

“These types of bans are having a positive impact on patron safety and the community.”

Mr Pitt said the Innisfail Liquor Accord was also recently congratulated with 100 percent of the area’s licensed premises signing up as members.

“Such strong support from licensees means initiatives to improve patron safety can be introduced much faster to the community,” he said.


Media contacts
Ministers’ Office: 3225 1005
Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation: 3247 5963
Paul Garnham: 0400 902 966

Last changed: Aug 12 2010 at 10:43 AM