Wednesday 26 March 2014

MAJOR ALCOHOL SURVEY BACKS LABOR’S PLAN

Media Release

Shadow Police Minister, Bill Byrne, says a survey by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education shows the Premier is arrogantly not listening to Queenslanders if he continues to resist reduced trading hours for licensed venues.
“The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education’s annual survey results just released shows 63% of Queenslanders surveyed favour a 1am lockout for pubs, clubs and bars and 78% support 3am closing of alcohol service,” Mr Byrne said.
“If the Premier is genuinely listening — instead of just pretending in an effort to spin his and his government’s image — how can he miss the message that the Foundation has heard loud and clear?"
“The Premier is focussed on tougher penalties for violent offences but that only addresses the problem after someone is hurt or killed."
“We need preventative action and a 1am lockout and 3am shut-off of alcohol are key planks in Labor’s policy to fight alcohol-fuelled violence."
“We also plan to allow venues to continue to serve non-alcoholic drinks and provide entertainment until 5am."
“According to the FARE survey, across Australia 66% of people surveyed support a 1am lockout and 81% favour 3am closing."
“The annual report also reveals more than one-in-three Australians (37%) have been affected in some way by alcohol-related violence."
“The Premier needs to stop making policy for the big end of town and vested interests and start taking a very simple step that will cut injuries and potentially save lives."
“He needs to show leadership on this issue, stop pretending to listen and really start listening to the overwhelming majority who want their children and others to enjoy a night out without risk of ending up in a hospital emergency department or worse,” Mr Byrne said.

To view FARE’s full report go to:
http://www.fare.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/FARE-Alcohol-Poll-2014_LR.pdf

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