Party pooper pollie’s big night
HOSPITALITY operators want to shout the Attorney-General a big night out on the Glitter Strip in a bid to change her mind before stiff new liquor licensing laws are introduced.
Surfers Paradise Safe Night Out president Michael Fusco plans to invite Yvette D’Ath for a “tasteful” all-expenses-paid night showcasing the best Surfers Paradise has to offer.
The charm offensive is aimed at convincing her to change her mind on bringing Queensland’s 3am lockout and 5am closing time forward two hours.
Mr Fusco and Safe Night Out, set up by the previous LNP Government to represent Surfers Paradise nightclub and bar owners, plan to pamper Queens- land’s top lawmakers with accommodation, airport transfers in a stretch Humvee, pre-dinner drinks, dinner and private VIP nightclub booth with bottle service.
Mr Fusco said it would be so special it was hoped Ms D’Ath would change her mind about introducing the liquor licensing reforms the Government has promised as a way to tackle alcohol-related violence.
“What we are proposing is a tasteful night out on the Gold Coast,” he told the Bulletin.
“Some tourists come to the Gold Coast for theme parks and the beaches but a lot of young couples come here to go out for a few drinks, get some bottle service and have a really good time.
“I feel what the State Government is proposing to do to the night-life industry will hurt tourism and we want to change their minds.”
Proposed changes include banning “high-alcohol content” drinks after midnight and enabling police to breath-test drunk patrons to help build legal cases against rogue staff and venues.
The stiff new measures are expected to be introduced to the Legislative Assembly in September.