Stubbies, glasses banned at Queensland pubs and clubs
CHRISTINE KELLETT
March 5, 2010
Eight Queensland pubs and clubs have been slapped with total bans on the use of glass - including stubbies - as the state government shifts its alcohol-fulled violence campaign up a gear.
Liquor licensing authorities initially warned 77 venues across the state could be stripped of their right to serve drinks in glassware after compiling police figures and late-night trading hours.
All 77 were issued with ''show cause'' notices last year, forcing them to justify why they should be allowed to keep glass on the premises.
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Of those, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation has found eight present too high a risk.
"High risk establishments will no longer be able make regular glass receptacles, jugs, bottles or stubbies available to patrons,” Liquor Licensing Minister Peter Lawlor said today.
"Instead they must replace their regular glass with alternatives like toughened, tempered or polycarbonate glassware."
The remaining 69 venues are not off the hook, however.
They will be subject to restrictions on glass products in their venues and or have to submit a risk management plan to satisfy authorities they can keep patrons safe.
Under the restrictions regime, some of the 69 bars or clubs which have a restaurant on the premises may still be allowed to use drinking glasses on the dining floor, or serve wine from bottles.
Despite insisting the move is for public safety, the state government this morning refused to name the eight venues now considered too dangerous to drink from a glass.
"There is now a judicial process in place, so we won't be saying which ones they are," a ministerial spokeswoman told brisbanetimes.com.au.
The state government has justified the controversial glass bans on the back of at least 45 separate glassing attacks on Queensland licensed premises last year.
"Glassings destroy lives and it’s a situation that is just unacceptable," Mr Lawlor said.
"While there is no doubt that individuals must take responsibility for their actions, licensed establishments also must realise their responsibilities to patron safety and harm minimisation.
"The Queensland government is determined to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence – this is about keeping people safe."
Comment was being sought from venue operators this morning.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/stubbies-glasses-banned-at-queensland-pubs-and-clubs-20100305-pmeh.html
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