[Greens-Media] Iemma*s latest gift to hotel industry * longer opening hours * in trouble in Upper House

[Lee Rhiannon]

Media Release - 26 September 2007

Iemma*s latest gift to hotel industry * longer opening hours * in
trouble in Upper House

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon predicted today that the NSW government*s
hotel friendly plan to make it easier to extend opening hours could fail
if Greens amendments are adopted when the Bill comes to the Upper House.


*There is growing disquiet among Upper House MPs that the Labor
government has gone too far with its plan to widen its own power to
extend hotel opening hours,* Ms Rhiannon said. 

*The NSW government planned to rush through this legislation this
evening but they have now postponed the debate as they are having
trouble finding enough MPs to vote for their bill. 

*The Greens MPs will not vote to allow the government to avoid
parliamentary scrutiny and extend opening hours for special events of
its choosing. 

*I will move amendments to delete the section of the Special Events
Hotel Trading Bill that if passed would allow the Minister to use his
discretion to determine what is a *special event* and extend trading
hours by way of regulation. 

*The glaring problem with this is that a regulation can only be
disallowed if parliament is sitting.  

*The Greens support extending hotel hours for the Rugby World Cup as
we did for the FIFA World Cup last year. 

*But we should only approve increasing opening hours for specified
events. Decisions on this issue need to be carefully considered. 

*We are aware that many residents living near hotels find the special
extended opening hours unpleasant because of offensive behaviour. 

*There clearly is a problem with alcohol fuelled violent behaviour in
and around hotels trading for lengthy periods during sporting events. 

*It is irresponsible of the Labor government to try and extend its
power to determine opening hours, a move that would bring great benefits
to hotels,* Ms Rhiannon said.  

For more information * 9230 3551, 0427 861 568



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Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
Parliament of New South Wales
Macquarie St 
Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Email lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web http://www.lee.greens.org.au/

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