Please sign the petition below and forward to everybody by 14/04/05!
  Toowoomba couold be next! 

http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/EPetitions_QLD/cgi-bin/Petitions.cgi?PetNum=457 


17 Measures To Improve Public Order Among Night Clubbers 

The night club lock-out strategy which has resulted in a reduction of violent incidents
on the Gold Coast will be tested in Brisbane for 12 months from next month, Premier
Peter
Beattie announced today (Tuesday). 

"This is just one part of a comprehensive, 17-point Brisbane City Safety Action Plan
which was finalised late last night after Cabinet's agreement earlier in the day," said
Mr Beattie. 

"The plan includes major changes to licensing legislation, more police and new police
strategies, better transport arrangements, creating a safer environment, and continuing
to examine developments. 

"The lock out condition will be placed on all licensed premises that trade after 3am in
the Brisbane City Local Government area to ensure all clubs are treated equally as well
as to avoid the problem being shifted elsewhere. 

"The Liquor Act will be amended to prevent patrons from entering a nightclub after 3am
but will allow them to continue drinking within the club until it closes. 

"Queensland Police Service reported a substantial reduction in crime after the lock-out
condition was imposed on the Gold Coast. Calls to ambulances and assault offences
between
3am and 6am were down significantly. 

"In addition, the State Government will impose tougher licence conditions, which already
apply to some venues, on all licensed premises that trade after 1 am. 

"These include: 
- The licensee must employ crowd controllers in sufficient numbers who will also be
required to maintain surveillance outside the premises for at least an hour after
closing
time; 
- The installation of Closed Circuit Television at each public entrance and exit. If the
video cameras are not operational and recording the premises must close at 1am. 

"These measures will become effective after September this year after consultation with
the industry to try to avoid unintended consequences. 

"Advertising free or discounted liquor by pubs and clubs will be banned.' 

"The Government will amend the Liquor Act 1992 to prohibit the advertisement of free
drinks, multiple drinks and discounted liquor for consumption on premises (except where
the advertising is inside the premises).' 

"The officers will ensure that licensees are meeting obligations under the Liquor Act,
including the provision of a safe environment for patrons and staff, ensuring liquor is
not supplied to minors and people who are unduly intoxicated or disorderly and ensuring
liquor is served responsibly. 

"As part of a comprehensive review of the Liquor Act, an investigation will be conducted
into whether licensees should pay more for late night trading permits. The additional
cost of providing police officers, public transport services and liquor licensing
officers late on Friday and Saturday nights is significant. 

"Legislative amendments from this review will be operational by the second half of 2006.


"An additional Tactical Crime Squad, consisting of 14 officers, will double the number
of
Tactical Crime Squad officers already operating from Brisbane Central District. 

"Two extra positions of Sergeant will be created, one in the City and one in the Valley,
to identify ways of improving collaboration between police and security service
providers. The effectiveness of this initiative will be reviewed after 12 months. 

"A new paddy wagon capable of holding six people will be added to the current group of
such vehicles, enabling police to transport up to 15 intoxicated people at any time. 

"The Police Minister will investigate the feasibility of dogs being used to detect
amphetamines in nightclubs and other hot spots.' 

"The liquor enforcement and pro-active strategies project involves the Queensland Police
Service systematically identifying and gathering intelligence on hotspots where assaults
and other disturbances occur in the Brisbane CBD.' 

"A Brisbane Central District Liquor Unit will adopt this initiative by the end of May. 
Queensland Police Service will establish a senior link with Brisbane City Council for
CBD
crime and safety issues and also to help the council in researching and preparing
applications to the Minister for Police and Corrective Services for move on powers in
appropriate areas. 

"We will review the Bail and Police Powers and Responsibilities Act by the end of this
year and update them as needed to support contemporary policing methods. 

"The State Government and the city council will explore with bus operators and
Queensland
Rail how late night public transport services can be improved after midnight on Fridays
and Saturdays. 

"The council has advised Queensland Transport it will examine safety and security at cab
ranks, as well as location and amenity.