“Ray the Runner had to be called back to pay his bill in a night of shame for the LNP,” Mr Lawlor said.
“People who ‘dine and dash’ cost the industry thousands of dollars each year, so he has no credibility whatsoever.
“Media at the time said the LNP stood for Long Night of Partying.
“The truth is the Bligh Government is cracking down on alcohol-related violence,” Mr Lawlor said.
Mr Lawlor said fees from the state’s 6700 licensed venues were due on 2 August and higher fees applied to licensed premises which had a history of breaches or incidents during the past 12 months.
“These fees fund checks on venues to ensure alcohol is not being served to minors; these fees fund checks on crowd control and security guards; and these fees fund checks that staff have responsible-service-of-alcohol training,” he said.
“The fees fund community education campaigns which help boost safety in and around licensed venues.
“The alternative from the LNP today is that we should turn a blind eye to this – it’s beyond belief.”
Risk-based liquor licensing fees were first introduced in January 2009, following industry consultation.
“The fees were established to ensure the liquor industry plays its part in contributing to the cost of regulating the liquor industry and minimising alcohol-related harm,” Mr Lawlor said.
Media contact - Minister's Office 3225 1005
