WE’LL DRINK TO THAT
EXCLUSIVE: Minister opens door to later Games trading hours
REVELLERS would be permitted to shop and party for longer during the Commonwealth Games under a plan Tourism Minister Kate Jones says is worthy of discussion. Ms Jones is in talks with Gold Coast tourism chiefs about the proposal, which would enable retailers and hospitality operators to cater for fans pouring out of venues following late-evening events. While no decisions have been made, the move marks a signifcant shift from the government’s hardline stance.
STATE Government is exploring letting Glitter Strip bars and retailers open later for the Commonwealth Games after previously ruling it out.
Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones and Gold Coast Tourism are in talks about whether to relax restrictions such as 3am last drinks during the international sporting extravaganza next April.
It is a significant shift from earlier this year when the Government refused to consider later bar trading despite mounting calls from Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek and Mayor Tom Tate.
Ms Jones and Mr Donovan confirmed preliminary talks – involving Mayor Tate – and a plan to discuss options with hospitality operators in party precinct Surfers Paradise.
Mayor Tate has favoured easing restrictions and even suggested a 24-hour licensing trial during the Games.
The State Government brought in stiffer liquor-licensing measures last year to tackle alcohol-related violence. They included last drinks two hours earlier at 3am in bar precincts such as Surfers Paradise, and banning shots after midnight.
Ms Jones said keeping precincts safe was crucial but “we owe it to the Gold Coast to have a proper discussion because the Games are a once-ina-lifetime opportunity”.
Ms Jones said her Government would now consider ex- tended Games trading for the hospitality and retail sectors.
“I’ve had discussions with Mayor Tate and Gold Coast Tourism chair Paul Donovan.
“It’s something Government will consider but we want to talk to Gold Coasters about what they want. With the world’s eyes on the Gold Coast, we need to get the balance right between sensible trading hours and ensuring visitors have a safe and enjoyable time.”
Mr Donovan said the trading hours debate was about finding the best outcome for the city when showcasing itself to the world. “It’s a great step for the Government to consider it because it was a no-no before. I personally think 3am may be too early for the Games.
“It’s five hours past my normal bed time but I’m thinking of everyone. The fact the Government is prepared to reconsider it is really positive.”
Ms Jones and Mr Donovan said any change needed to be taken seriously by operators.
“If this does happen then operators need to be responsible,” Mr Donovan said.
A committee of police, Office of Liquor and Gaming, Surfers Paradise Licensed Venues Association (SPLVA) and retailers will discuss options.
SPLVA boss Tim Martin said it would be embarrassing to “close early” when the Coast was on the world stage and it was a chance for venues to prove they could pull it off.
COMMONWEALTH Games Minister Kate Jones continues to live up to a reputation as the city’s best friend in government.
A marked shift in the State Government’s stance on liquor licensing rules – at least to the point of being open to discussions about temporarily relaxing restrictions brought in last year – reflects a long overdue common sense approach to hosting the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Tourism and major events remain the city’s major industries but as strong as they are, they can also be held hostage by tourists’ perceptions about licensing restrictions in the party precincts.
There are strong concerns of an impact during the Commonwealth Games, so it is refreshing to see a minister take a practical approach to an issue that could otherwise be bogged down by bureaucracy.
Ms Jones understands what is at stake. She and the city acknowledge the importance of keeping the clubs and the streets safe, but to her credit she also recognises that hosting an event as big as the Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The Gold Coast is one of the world’s true tourism meccas. When that is considered along with the enormous potential of the Games to take us to a new level, the impact of licensing restrictions has been embarrassing. It has also handed our competitors in South-East Asia and elsewhere an opportunity to take market share.
Assuming a relaxation of restrictions eventuates for the Games, there has to be an understanding among venues and revellers that this is not to be abused. The city can’t afford a one-punch death, drunken fighting or another bikie outrage.
Ideally the Games will provide a successful trial that paves the way for a workable solution down the track. The Gold Coast deserves that opportunity.