Drink promotions and happy hours
Drink promotions and happy hours may contribute to excessive and rapid consumption of alcohol if not adequately controlled.
Requirements for conducting drink promotions were introduced in 2006 to ensure such activities are conducted responsibly.
Drink promotions and happy hours are still able to be held, as long as they are conducted in a responsible manner. However, they cannot be advertised externally if the promotion is for the liquor to be consumed on the premises.
More information can be found in the Drink promotions and happy hours fact sheet and Guideline 12 - Advertising-packages including a meal or accommodation and alcoholic beverages.
Happy hours
Happy hours are permitted in licensed venues outside the Brisbane City Council area, but can not be advertised externally. Licensees within the Brisbane City Council area are subject to further restrictions. Read the Liquor licences in Brisbane City Council area fact sheet (PDF 120 K) for more details.
Advertising ban on drink promotions
The following are examples of what must not be advertised external to the licensed premises:
- free drinks
- multiple quantities of liquor—for example, two for one, six drinks for a certain price
- the sale price of liquor
- any type of drinking promotion—for example, happy hours, all you can drink, toss the boss.
Advertising of discounted drinks and/or drink promotions may still occur inside the premises, but only if it is not visible or audible to a person who is outside the premises.
More information on advertising can be found in the Advertising ban on drink promotions fact sheet and Guideline 12 - Advertising-packages including a meal or accommodation and alcoholic beverages.
Promotional activities involving liquor prizes
Reward promotions such as a raffle where the prize is free liquor or ‘buy one get one free’ promotions may still be held, provided they do not encourage excessive consumption of liquor or promote intoxication.
This does not restrict low-risk promotions, such as ‘beer of the month’ brand switching to encourage the trial of a new product, or loyalty reward programs that are conducted over more than one trading day.
Seen irresponsible drinking promotions?
If you are aware of a licensed venue promoting rapid or excessive consumption of liquor, please contact the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation on 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
Contacts
- General liquor licence inquiries: phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
- Liquor licence compliance inquiries: email liquor-compliance-enquiries@deedi.qld.gov.au
Last reviewed 3 April 2012