MR HOOLIHAN ASKED THE MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND FAIR TRADING (MR LAWLOR) —
QUESTION:
Will the Minister outline the benefits to my region (Keppel and Rockhampton) of local liquor accords which take a tough stance on unacceptable patron behaviour?
ANSWER:
Liquor accords are an effective and sustainable approach to dealing with the misuse of alcohol through voluntary and cooperative participation. There are now over 80 liquor accords throughout Queensland, each developing unique strategies to address issues specific to the local area.
Two liquor accords operate in the Keppel and Rockhampton region, namely the Rockhampton Liquor Industry Action Group and the Capricorn Coast Liquor Accord.
The success of any accord depends largely on the motivation of its local members. Membership of accords in this region has more than doubled in the past eight months and now includes broad representation from local licensed premises, liquor industry peak bodies, police, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, Queensland Health, the taxi industry and local regional councils.
Through the actions of these accords, a number of patrons have been banned from entering premises as a direct result of their unacceptable behaviour. The imposition of blanket bans across participating venues for repeat or violent offenders has proven to be an effective strategy, with a notable improvement in patron behaviour.
As well as having the effect of keeping known trouble-makers out, the real threat to potential offenders of being unable to visit local venues to socialise with friends and family is significant motivation to behave.
Of course, banning arrangements are only one strategy successfully utilised by liquor accords. Benefits come from a range of initiatives that seek to minimise harm from the misuse of alcohol by developing safe and well managed environments in and around licensed premises.
The Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast liquor accords are broadening their outlook to reduce alcohol-fuelled incidents and anti-social behaviour by taking a wider community approach – targeting the availability of taxis, closed-circuit television coverage and sufficient lighting within the CBD, encouraging venue usage of identification scanners, promotion of responsible service of alcohol practices and implementing patron dispersal initiatives.
