LNP to end Labor’s ID scanner farce for Toowoomba clubs and pubs

LNP TO END LABOR’S ID SCANNER FARCE FOR TOOWOOMBA CLUBS AND PUBS
  • LNP government to close dangerous loophole in Annastacia Palaszczuk’s botched ID scanner laws
  • LNP would standardise scanning laws to ensure all Toowoomba pubs and clubs begin scanning at midnight
  • LNP change would ensure patrons scanned and turned away at one Toowoomba venue cannot simply gain entry to another venue that escapes Labor’s laws

The LNP has announced it would implement a major change to ID scanning laws to close a farcical loophole in the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s botched laws.

Trevor Watts said an LNP government would push back the time licensed venues must start scanning from 10pm to midnight.

“This common-sense change closes a two-hour loophole where one venue could close at midnight and not need ID scanners at all, yet one across the road might open until 1am and have to start scanning at 10pm,” Mr Watts said.

“We know of situations under Labor’s legislation, where a patron turned away after 10pm at a venue that must use scanners because they trade beyond midnight, can simply walk across the road and gain entry to another venue that doesn’t have to scan at all because it closes at midnight.

“Presumably if this person’s been refused entry from one pub or club for posing a safety risk, he or she shouldn’t be allowed to simply stroll across the road and drink there.

“Labor’s ID laws have been a complete and utter stuff up under Annastacia Palaszczuk. Jobs have been lost, income is down and the Sunshine State’s reputation for fun has been damaged.

Mr Watts said the rot began with Labor’s petulant decision to scrap the LNP’s Safe Night Out Implementation Panel and things have gone downhill from there.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk has consistently failed to listen to local stakeholders in implementing their failed one-size-fits-all approach to liquor licensing and she’s wrought long-term damage to Toowoomba’s vibrant pubs and clubs, he said.

“Toowoomba locals will remember that Labor only embraced ID scanners after their backflip on lockouts in February this year.

“They then totally ignored advice and warnings from stakeholder groups that their ID scanning laws were a disaster and arrogantly pushed ahead regardless – making Queensland an international laughing stock.

“The LNP will work with industry to implement this common-sense change that will ensure the people of Toowoomba have a safe night out and a great night out.”