Fair Trading and Liquor Licensing Inspectors to have a Big Day Out
Posted by editor (editor) on Jan 19 2010
2010 >>

Its Big Day Out time again and the Office of Fair Trading and the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation will be in full force at the festival this weekend.

Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor who is also responsible for Liquor Licensing said the annual music event would be held at the Gold Coast Parklands on Sunday, 17 January 2010.

"It is set to attract some 55,000 people, including minors and adults, and alcohol will be served on the day," Mr Lawlor said.

“A strong presence of Liquor Licensing officers will be scouting the festival and will issue fines to people who supply alcohol to unduly intoxicated people or to minors.

“Similarly, if you’re under 18 you can also be fined just for possessing alcohol and this includes simply holding a friend’s drink.

“Apart from the corporate areas, alcohol service will be limited to single serves of wine, mid strength beer and spirits with an alcohol by volume of less than 4%.

“Remember, it is a big day out and I want everybody to have a good day, a safe day, and enjoy the music without resorting to excessive drinking.

Mr Lawlor said Fair Trading inspectors will also be there to make sure crowd controllers and security guards are properly licensed.

"This combination of factors requires a massive security contingent on-hand to monitor festival goers, keep an eye on crowds and their safety as well as guard equipment and site boundaries,” he said.

"While it is vital to have security, it's equally important that the people doing the job are licensed.

"Therefore Fair Trading inspectors will be performing random compliance checks on security staff throughout the event.

“Our inspectors will not hesitate to crack down on those who are working unlicensed.”

Security providers must have a licence by law to ensure they meet minimum standards of competency to work in the industry.

"Working in security carries a high level of responsibility, and tricky, sometimes violent, situations can escalate," he said.

"We want teenagers and festival goers to enjoy the music, have fun and feel safe and confident they are being looked after by professionals who have met stringent requirements."

Workers found in breach of the Security Providers Act by not having the appropriate licence face fines of up to $50,000.

Mr Lawlor said the Office of Fair Trading was vigilant about checking licences year-round.

"We even provide a web service where anyone can search to see if a person holds licence " he said.

The free online search facility is available at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

Last changed: Jan 19 2010 at 9:33 AM