The newly-elected Queensland Government is considering a plan to breath-test patrons – with results to be used to build cases against venues.
The plan is over and above the considerations already on the table to introduce lockouts and early closing similar to the controversial Sydney trade restrictions.
While Attorney General Yvette D’Ath says the initiative is intended to help reduce alcohol-fuelled violence, it will involve legal input to determine at what level venues may be considered ‘liable’.
“Allowing police to breathalyse drunken patrons will help them to build cases for prosecution for court,” said Ms D’Ath in News.com.au.
“For example, police consider a (blood-alcohol) reading of 0.15 to be highly intoxicated.”
Ms D’Ath reports consultation would continue to determine the definition of what constitutes a ‘high-alcohol’ result. But it is likely other legal hurdles may come into play regarding a venues’ culpability.
The Palaszczuk Government is reportedly planning to have the new laws in place by November, with potential fines for venues of up to $56,000.
“If someone is arrested and has committed a crime and police want to breathalyse him, I support that,” said James Tweddell, owner of Brisbane venue East.
“But if someone wants to enjoy a night out, like a 40th, and the cops are going to walk in and breathalyse people at a venue, then that is ludicrous.”
Tweddell told News.com.au the idea of breath-testing patrons was “draconian and ridiculous”.
Our Nightlife Queensland reports the night-time economy in the State is worth more than $10 billion annually, and employs over 50,000 people.
According to its countdown, the ‘lockout’ restrictions could become law in as soon as three weeks.