Proposed liquor law shake-up could result in teens not being allowed in licensed premises after 9pm
TEENAGERS could be prevented from seeing movies, watching live music, going bowling and eating a meal at licensed premises after 9pm under a proposed major shake-up of liquor laws.
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TEENAGERS could be prevented from seeing movies, watching live music, going bowling and eating a meal at licensed premises after 9pm under a proposed major shake-up of liquor laws.
A review of the Liquor Licensing Act by former judge Tim Anderson recommends banning people under 18 from entering or remaining in any licensed premise after 9pm unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The proposal, which has been labelled draconian and “crazy town”, is among more than 200 being considered by the State Government.
Industry representatives fear it could lead to members of sport teams being locked inside their hotel rooms when travelling, unable to go into dining rooms or other common areas without an adult after 9pm.
Under current laws, minors are banned from most licenced premises at midnight with or without their parents present.
A spokesman for Attorney-General John Rau said the Government was still considering Mr Anderson’s recommendations and would not comment on individual measures until it responds to the whole review.
The review does suggest that there could be exemptions for venues where their core business was entertainment aimed mainly at people under the age of 18 years, which the Government said could include bowling alleys and movie theatres, however, this was still up for discussion.
Restaurant and Catering Australia deputy chief executive Sally Neville said the idea was “crazy town”.
“If it does apply to restaurants it would mean young people couldn’t go out and have a meal at their local Cafe Primo after netball or couldn’t go out for a hot chocolate with their friends if the cafe is licenced,” she said.
Australian Hotels Association SA general manager Ian Horne said if the Government accepted the recommendation it would hurt the state’s entertainment, hospitality and tourism venues.
“It is policy overreaching that would make it harder for businesses to operate and provide no benefit to the community. It is completely impractical and unnecessary,” he said.
The Government spokeswoman Sarah Martin said it would be disappointing for young people to be locked out of music venues.
“The Government hosts a lot of all ages shows and the proposed changes would impact hugely on band ticket sales for those events,” she said.
“We have always believed that by allowing and encouraging young people to see live music it inspires them to learn, enjoy and take part in cultural activities.
“It would be a disappointment to see them locked out of any venues that offer opportunities for them to experience the excitement of live performance.”
A spokesman for the Attorney-General’s Department said the recommendation needed to be considered in conjunction with another outlining exemptions that could apply.
The exemption would allow unaccompanied minors to remain in certain licensed premises.
The review was delivered in July to the Government, which is expected to respond to the recommendations in coming weeks.