Media Statement - Easter trading for liquor and gaming licensees

Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor
30/03/2010

Easter trading for liquor and gaming licensees
As Easter approaches, people who are planning to visit a licensed venue need to be aware of the special conditions for liquor service on Good Friday.

Minister responsible for liquor licensing Peter Lawlor said normal trading hours would be reduced on Thursday night with all licensed premises to finish serving alcohol by midnight.
"Public holidays can be a good excuse for a night out with the mates but last drinks will be a little earlier than normal," Mr Lawlor said.

"This isn't an excuse to drink excessively - people should stay in control and act sensibly," said the Minister.

On the Thursday before Good Friday, licensed premises are only permitted to trade until
midnight, even if they normally stay open longer. While the bar must finish serving at this time, patrons have until 12.30am to finish drinks and leave the premises.

On Good Friday, licensed premises can open from 10am. However, alcohol can only be served with a meal prep ared on the premises and eaten in an area of the premises ordinarily set aside for dining. Patrons can consume alcohol for one hour before dining, while they are dining and up to one hour after dining.

Information on trading hours on public holidays can be accessed on the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) website www.olgr.qld.gov.au under fact sheets.

Usual trading hours apply for Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

During the periods of restricted trading hours for Good Friday, police and staff from OLGR will be checking licensed premises, ensuring licensees adhere to trading hours as required under the Liquor Act 1992. Any licensee trading outside approved hours may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000.

Media contacts:

Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation -3247 5963
Minister's office -3224 2002