QueenslandLockedOut to Lead Protest Against Potential Earlier Venue Lockout & Shutdown Policies in Queensland

In August 2009, the Queensland Parliament called upon the Law, Justice and Safety Committee to conduct an inquiry into alcohol related violence in Queensland, with a focus on community safety and preventative measures to reduce the level of alcohol related violence, and its ramifications. One consideration in the ongoing inquiry is the impact of late opening hours on incidences of alcohol related violence. The Committee is currently assessing the impact of the current 3am lockout in Queensland, and what changes should be made to opening hours, and alcohol service strategies within those hours, to reduce alcohol-related violence.

It is reported that the suggestion of an imposed 12am lockout and 2am or 3am shutdown for the Gold Coast, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane CBD, and Sunshine Coast is being considered.

On Friday March 19, the Law, Justice and Safety Committee will finalise their inquiry into alcohol-related violence in Queensland’s entertainment precincts.

QueenslandLockedOut has been established as a citizen’s lobby group to protest against this proposition. With a lack of clear evidential data available on the growth of alcohol-fueled crime in Queensland, it has been argued that the proposed lockout / curfew represents only a temporary political fix. QueenslandLockedOut has placed the call for investigation and scrutiny into viable long-term solutions.

The loss of jobs, impact upon state economy and the cultural reputation of entertainment precincts; the increase in pressure upon transport infrastructure from public transport to taxi companies; and escalation in street traffic and violence have been cited as possible negative outcomes of the proposed change in lockout and shutdown regulations. Harsher penalties against anti-social and aggressive behaviour; an increase in police presence and security; an introduction of ID scanners to venues; and the introduction of chill out areas in entertainment districts have been suggested as alternative solutions. Many of these propositions have been successfully implemented over the last three months.

QueenslandLockedOut appeals to the community to come together in opposition to parliament legislating an earlier lockout and shutdown policy for Queensland venues. A protest will be conducted from 4pm to 6:30pm March 11, outside Parliament house, George St, Brisbane. The protest is predicated on protecting jobs, venues, culture and nightlife of Queensland.

This is a drug, alcohol and profanity free event.

For more information on the protest, see www.queenslandlockedout.com.

Click here for more information on the Law, Justice and Safety Committee's inquiry.

Click here to have your say.

Published: 02 Mar 2010 by Q Music Newsdesk