Harm minimisation
Alcohol is widely available in Queensland and responsibly consumed most of the time. However, when alcohol is consumed irresponsibly, the financial and social costs for both the community and industry can be very high. Minimising harm from the misuse and abuse of alcohol remains a high priority for the Queensland Government.
The Queensland Government has been actively working to reduce alcohol abuse and misuse via a range of initiatives including major legislative reforms.
Major legislative reform
On 10 September 2008, parliament passed a package of harm minimisation initiatives with the objective of encouraging the responsible supply and consumption of alcohol, while at the same time ensuring the liquor industry can continue to develop and innovate.
Queensland’s Liquor Act 1992 now prioritises harm minimisation as the first object of the Liquor Act and legislates proactive strategies to minimise harm. Some of the legislated initiatives include:
- Banning of regular glass in high risk venues
The government passed legislation in 2009 banning the use of regular glass from high risk venues.
- Moratorium on extended trading hours applications
The government passed legislation in 2009 introducing a 12-month moratorium on applications for extended trading hours after midnight, except in a very limited number of designated inner-city areas where there is a concentration of late night trading venues.
- Legislative recognition of liquor accords
New provisions of the Liquor Act acknowledge the important role played by liquor accords.
- Risk Assessed Management Plan (RAMP) and Community Impact Statement (CIS)
All new applications for medium and high-risk liquor licences and/or applications to change the operation of a licensed premise must include a RAMP and/or CIS.
- Expanded definition of liquor
The definition of liquor was also expanded to include novelty alcohol products prescribed under a regulation.
- Ministerial banning power (PDF 95 K)
The provision of a ministerial banning power enables urgent action to be taken to prevent the sale of undesirable liquor products which target young people or encourage rapid and excessive consumption.
- Irresponsible supply of alcohol to a minor
Provisions have been introduced which make it an offence for an adult to supply alcohol to minors either in a private place without providing responsible supervision.
- Restriction of extended trading hours
Ordinary trading hours are now 10am to 12 midnight for all venues, with limited exceptions for special facilities (casinos and some airports).
- Onsite approved managers
Approved managers (or individual licensee) must be onsite or reasonably available during ordinary trading hours but must be onsite during any period of approved extend trading hours after midnight.
- Mandatory training requirements
Mandatory Responsible Service of Alcohol training for all licensees and staff involved in the sale and supply of alcohol, and the Responsible Management of Liquor Venues (RMLV) course for licensees and approved managers have been implemented.
- Restructure of licence types
The restructure of the licensing system down to two major categories of licences—commercial and community categories—provides for industry innovation and reduction in red tape.
- Annual liquor licence fees
Annual liquor licence fees have been introduced and are based on the risk that each licensed premise presents to the community.
3am lockout
Another key legislative reform was the 3 am lockout which commenced in Brisbane on 29 April 2005 and state-wide on 1 July 2006.
Lockouts are intended as a crime prevention strategy with the primary intention of reducing the migration of patrons between licensed premises and providing greater control over patron behaviour in the very late night drinking environment.
Download the fact sheet (PDF 90 K) on the 3 am lockout for more information.
Last reviewed 18 February 2011