Good Friday alcohol restrictions have been lifted for major sports games in Queensland, with Queensland Reds fans the first to benefit.
This morning, Sports Minister Phil Reeves has announced the Liquor Act 1992 has been amended to allow the sale of alcohol at Stadiums Queensland major venues on the public holiday.
The move came after a scheduling error had Queensland Reds playing the ACT Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium on April 6, which is Good Friday.
Mr Reeves said the Liquor Act had been amended so fans would not have to sit through a "dry game".
“It's an Aussie tradition to be allowed the choice of having a beer during the footy and we have made sure this will be the case on Good Friday,” he said.
“Until today Queensland had been one of the only states to prohibit the sale of alcohol at major sporting events on Good Friday.
“We've now put Queensland on a level playing field with other states."
Before the act was amended, booze could not be sold on Good Friday unless a meal was ordered. The restrictions are still in place for Christmas Day.
Mr Reeves said if the change had not been made, Queensland's reputation for running major sports events was at risk.
"Without this change, it's possible the planned Super 15's Rugby match at Suncorp could have been re-located interstate, disappointing fans and possibly affecting Queensland's reputation for conducting major events," he said.
“This coming Easter weekend is billed as a blockbuster sporting weekend with the Brisbane Lions vs Carlton at the Gabba on Thursday, the Reds vs Brumbies at Suncorp on Friday, both the Titans and Cowboys holding home games and a possible Roar semi-final at Suncorp all on the one weekend."