[Greens-Media] Greens oppose unfair new liquor laws

[Susie Gemmell]

Media Release
27 November 2008

Greens oppose unfair new liquor laws

Greens MP and liquor spokesperson, Lee Rhiannon last night failed in her bid to gain support from the NSW Upper House for the Greens' amendments to the Liquor Legislation Amendment Bill to remove oppressive new 'tip out' powers in Alcohol Free Zones and P-plate licence sanctions for using fake IDs.

"The Premier's latest alcohol measures place undue emphasis on marginalised individuals rather than cracking down hard on the big hotel operators who profit from the binge drinking that fuels alcohol related violence," said Ms Rhiannon.

"The Premier is grabbing headlines with his new 'tip out' powers and P-plate licence sanctions. 

"Currently police have to first warn people in an alcohol free zone that their alcohol could be confiscated. The Greens opposed the Government's heavy handed tip out powers that remove the first warning.

"Under the new law passed yesterday police can confiscate and dispose of alcohol in an alcohol free zone without any prior warning.

"The Greens do not support alcohol free zones as they unfairly target marginalised groups in our community such as homeless people, and indigenous and young people who enjoy socialising outdoors.

"The Greens opposed new P-plate licence sanctions for using fake ID to enter a licensed premises, where a 19 year old is given an extra six months on their P-plate license for using a fake ID when they were 14. 

"This P-plate sanction is over the top because the penalty does not match the offence. It doesn't stop young people from getting a provisional license, but rather just prolongs it. 

"The existing penalty of a $220 spot fine or a court imposed $2,200 fine was already a very strong deterrent.

"The Greens also moved an amendment to compel the Minister to evaluate the Premier's new measures that restrict the sale of alcohol after midnight and introduce a 2am lockout to the top 50 licensed venues with alcohol related violence problems.

"But the Government's response was that an evaluation would interfere with the process of placing further sanctions on licensed venues. 

"The Government should closely evaluate any new measures to ensure they meet the stated aims of reducing alcohol violence on our streets.

"The Greens did support the new mandatory six hour closing period for any new licensed venues, which freezes any further increase in 24 hour liquor licences," said Ms Rhiannon.

More information: Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551; 0427 861 569


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Susie Gemmell
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (Mon-Thur)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0431 458 102
Email susie.gemmell at parliament.nsw.gov.au
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au