March 18, 2010

By By Lars Brandle, Brisbane

The nightlife in the Australian state of Queensland could become a quieter, more sober affair after a parliament committee recommended curbing trading hours.

The committee has proposed that clubs and bars in designated "entertainment zones" throughout the state pull back their opening hours on weekends (Friday and Saturday nights) by one hour to 4am, and close their doors no later than 2am on weekdays (Sunday to Thursday nights). Venues outside those special precincts should close earlier.

Following a seven-month inquiry into alcohol-related violence, the Queensland Parliament's Law, Justice and Safety Committee today (March 18) issued its awaited report, in which it made 68 recommendations.

The bipartisan committee also called for late-night venues to install CCTV equipment and suggested the introduction of a 2am "lockout," which would prevent new guests from entering licensed venues after that time. At present, a 3am lockout is commonplace throughout the state.

Queensland's Premier Anna Bligh has said the government would now mull over the recommendations.

Although the report has been widely applauded as a sensible means to combat alcohol-fuelled aggression, the creative community is not supportive of the reduced trading hours. Roughly 500 people had rallied outside the state parliament last week to protest what they saw was a culture-crushing movement which put Brisbane out of step with its southern rival cities of Sydney and Melbourne.

Zach Salar, organizer of the "Reclaim the Nightlife" rally and founder of Brisbane lobby group Queensland Locked Out, wrote a letter to parliament warning that "reduced trading hours will kill off the music scene in Queensland and the Valley, which has given life to every major band from the Bee Gees to Powderfinger."

Following the unveiling of today's report, Queensland Locked Out tweeted, "This is not over ladies and gentlemen."

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