Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers, and Mary-Anne O’Neill MP, State Member for Kallangur, have stated that the State Government has stepped up its campaign to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence with a 12-month freeze on approving applications for extended trading hours for pubs and clubs.

Carolyn Male MP said the freeze applies to applications already lodged or due in the next year but will not impact on venues with existing licences.

“The freeze is in place while a parliamentary inquiry examines links between extended trading hours (between midnight and 5am), violence and other anti-social behaviour.”

“This is a very real issue in today’s society - that is an unfortunate fact, but it’s our job to deal with it rather than turn a blind eye,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“It’s destroying lives and disrupting those who do the right thing. Enough is enough.”

“A good night out should never involve binge drinking or king hits.”

“And, as a Government, we are absolutely determined to deal with this issue. If it stops one life being destroyed, it’s worth it.”

Mary-Anne O’Neill MP said the Government recognised that most venues and most patrons drink responsibly and did the right thing.

Pubs and clubs with existing licences would not be affected. And the freeze, or moratorium, would not affect applications for trading hours on New Years Eve or other special occasions - which would continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The moratorium follows strong action already taken by the Bligh Government including a crackdown on early openings and on the use of glass in high-risk venues after 45 recorded cases of “glassings” in just 12 months.

A parliamentary inquiry is underway through the Law, Justice and Safety Committee Inquiry into Alcohol-Related Violence, which is due to report in March next year.