Rumba Beach Resort - Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing

More documents

Recommendations

Info

1. I believe low risk venues such as small cafds and restaurants do not require a person trained as a Responsible Manager of a Licensed Venue (RMLV). I consider a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) qualification suitable. This will reduce the costs of compliance on small businesses and increase the pool of staff from which employers can choose. I agree that a person trained in RMLV should be taken to be trained in RSA. LOCK-OUTS FROM LATE NIGHT VENUES 2. Regarding lock-outs of patrons for late night venues, I am concerned about the lack of evidence supporting this practice. I believe the community would be better served by patrons being supervised inside a licensed premises rather than outside. Locking patrons out while venues remain open only places additional strains on police resources, transport and residential peace and quiet. Whilst inside a venue, a licensee remains responsible for maintaining standards of good behaviour. I also believe tourism would benefit from less complicated rules of entry into venues. I suggest removing the current lock-out provisions for a period of two years and then comparing alcohol related violence statistics against the two years prior. Lock-outs can then be properly evaluated as a harm minimisation strategy. To my knowledge this research has never been undertaken. I believe Queensland tourism is best served by a simpler and less restrictive approach to late night trading however long term sustainability of after-midnight trading is dependant on broadening the entertainment offer to dilute the concentration of 18-25 year olds. A more responsible and self-regulating environment can develop through greater diversity in the entertainment offering. For example, piano bars, cafes and wine bars with low impact live (and/or suitably amplified) music will appeal to a more mature clientele. To be clear, I believe that only very few areas are suitable for late trading, i.e. after 3am. Therefore, I recommend that "Drink Safe Precincts" are continued in the relevant areas (such as Fortitude Valley) as the additional police presence will assist in the smooth long-term cultural transition to a more diverse and "cleaner" late night economy over time. STATE IMPOSED COST FOR EVENTS 3. Music and other entertainment events are an important part of our economy. I believe the costs imposed by the Government on the promoters of events in Queensland should be minimised. Events are of growing importance to tourism growth and enhance the experience of living in Queensland. Costs can be reduced by: a) deregulating the existing licensing framework such that promoters can provide their own alcohol catering, rather than being compelled to negotiate with an offsite licensee, b) have the costs of providing emergency services established independently, and not by the authorities themselves that have beneficial interest in setting higher than reasonable fees, and c) Simplifi2 the application process and reduce the costs of smaller scale events to be more in keeping with the nature of smaller groups. SECTION 2 OF THE DISCUSSION PAPER REGULATING NOISE AND NOISE LIMITS IN A LICENSED PREMISES 4. I agree that a full review of the regulation of noise connected with a licensed premises is necessary. The current rules (and the enforcement of the Regulations regarding noise) has effectively killed off Queensland’s entertainment offering on premises where alcohol is permitted to be served. Music and
entertainment is patently discouraged and tourism along with an enjoyable Queensland lifestyle is suffering. Regarding noise complaints from live and/or amplified music, the following considerations should be given: a) "First occupancy rights" should be observed and the character of an established precinct should be respected. If residents buy into an established mixed-use hospitality precinct, common sense says that noise from music and entertainment consistent with the locale should reasonably be expected. b) I believe the removal of decibel limits from the Regulations is the first step towards a more flexible and practical legislative framework that will encourage the development of music and arts and not stifle it. This is not a "one size fits all" solution. c) In my view the Regulations around noise limits need to be simplified to allow the culture of the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) to change from being "the enforcer" to that of a more balanced arbitrator in the event of a bone-fide noise complaint. This would be a big step towards building a culture of mutual respect and trust between OLGR and licensees. The considerable costs imposed on smaller operators to obtain acoustic reports, and the cost of installing sound limiting equipment provide a significant barrier to new venue start-ups. Deregulation will support growth and development of the musical arts and have an immediate positive impact on tourism. A significant proportion of the complaints made to OLGR relate to noise. I believe that if the technical elements of the existing Regulations were removed, good judgement would come into play more ~vhen responding to a complaint, rather than always relying on sound-measuring equipment. Can the police play more of a role in dealing with bona-fide noise complaints? LIFT THE MORATORIUM ON LATE NIGHT LICENCE APPLICATIONS IN NON CBD LOCATIONS 5. CBD areas are not the only places that benefit from late night entertainment so I support lifting the moratorium on venues wishing to trade after midnight across the State. I understand that this was temporary legislation never intended to remain in place long-term. Tourism focused areas such as the Sunshine Coast have been at a disadvantage due to the moratorium imposed in 2010 on late night venue licences. As late night venues have closed due to redevelopment, new venues have been unable to open, hence decreased options for patrons and an anti-competitive business environment. Diversity of the late night entertainment offering (within the proper, police council and OLGR controls) benefits tourism and the economy overall. I agree that the location of late night venues needs to be carefully planned with Councils to ensure suitability for the permitted use. I also believe that proper standards of patron behaviour should be required at all times. ISSUES OUTSIDE OF THE DISCUSSION PAPER Regarding tour operators being able to offer basic hospitality, I believe there should be an amendment to the Liquor Act so that Section 12 relating to "Exemptions" - be extended to include: Permit the sale of liquor by a tour operator to an adult client if: The sale takes place during the tour itinerary The liquor is consumed during the tour itinerary The quantity of liquor sold to the client is not more than 2 standard drinks in a day I acknowledge that the Liquor Act currently sets a precedent with exemptions for hairdressers and limousine services. In closing, I believe that less conflicting (and more straightforward) legislation overall is required.
Page 1: Emma Buckingham 13/03/2013 10:47 AM

Rumba Beach Resort - Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?