Adult Entertainment Permits
Licensees or permit holders must apply for an adult entertainment permit (AEP) if they wish to conduct sexually explicit entertainment.
Governance
Division 13A of the Liquor Act 1992 provides for the regulation of adult entertainment on licensed premises. Accordingly, licensed venues offering this type of entertainment must hold an approved Adult Entertainment Permit (AEP)
Regulation
In accordance with the provisions of the Liquor Act, premises authorised to conduct adult entertainment are visited on a regular basis by Compliance Officers from the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing.
For effective enforcement of the legislation and to ensure the highest levels of officer integrity, compliance staff are rotated on a regular basis and comprise male and female officers to minimise the potential for inappropriate conduct.
Protection of Minors
Regardless of the circumstances, the provisions of Section 155AA of the Liquor Act state that minors must not be in an approved area when adult entertainment is being provided. This means that a minor can not be in an approved area in the capacity of a performer of adult entertainment or as an employee in any capacity. These restrictions are imposed to prevent minors being exposed to or getting involved in adult entertainment activities.
CMC Recommendations
In December 2003, the Premier wrote to the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) requesting a review of both the regulated and unregulated adult entertainment industry in Queensland
In December 2004, the CMC released its report, Regulating adult entertainment: a review of the live adult entertainment industry in Queensland. The Report makes 29 recommendations for the enhanced regulation of Queensland's adult entertainment industry, including the liberalisation of the industry.
The Government has supported or partially supported the majority of the CMC's recommendations. In particular, recommendations for increased legislative consistency and the prohibition of minors from engaging in adult entertainment type occupations.
In November 2005, the Honourable Peter Beattie in a public statement confirmed that the Government has rejected outright the recommendation for liberalisation on the basis that it would be detrimental to community interest.
Proposed New Legislative Requirements
As a result State Cabinet agreed to the drafting of free-standing legislation which will cover the provision of adult entertainment on both licensed and unlicensed premises.
The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing is in the process of formulating a legislative response to the CMC's recommendations. A Working Party has been established to monitor the progress of the proposed legislative project.
The Office is dedicated to designing a legislative infrastructure that will maintain and strengthen the principles underpinning the existing regulatory framework governing adult entertainment.
A report outlining the features of the proposed legislative model has been prepared and submitted for the consideration of the Minister.
It is considered that the new legislative model will provide certainty for industry, law enforcement agencies and the community.
Last reviewed 2 January 2009
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