QHA November 2017

Paul St John-Wood
PUBTALK
‘TIS THE SEASON
The race that stops the nation has been run and won
for another year. I hope all hotels enjoyed a boost in
trade on Melbourne Cup Day. With all the competition
for patronage on cup day it was great to see most
hotels avoid the “race to the bottom” in regards to
package prices, choosing to combine superior quality
and value with their packages and promotions.
Queensland State Election
As Queenslanders head to the polls on 25 November
it’s timely to remind all hoteliers of the importance
of engaging with their local candidates to ensure
expectations of positive outcomes for our industry
are understood and acknowledged by those who will
dictate future regulatory change. Publicans, particularly
in regional and remote areas of the state, hold great
command as their premises are the hub of community
gathering. Politics in the pub need not be taboo when
the discussion and focus is to influence
positive change.
remain if they are accompanied by a responsible adult
who is responsibly supervising them. The Queensland
Liquor Act defines a responsible adult as a parent,
step parent or guardian of the minor, or an adult who
has parental rights and responsibilities for the minor. If
a person in the Christmas party group doesn’t fit this
criteria then following on from the function or dinner
the minor is no longer an exempt minor and will need
to leave the licenced premises.
QHA Cairns Licensees Breakfast
Thank you to the hoteliers and QHA partners who
attended the Cairns Licensees’ Breakfast hosted by
Stewart Gibson at the Bungalow Hotel. PFD Food
services again showcased their generosity, providing
a delicious breakfast for all attendees. The next
licensees’ meeting will be the Sunshine Coast Region
Publicans’ Lunch to be held at the Sands Tavern
Maroochydore on Tuesday, 14 November.
Minors attending Christmas parties
At this time of year the question always gets asked
“can minors attend their work Christmas party at the
hotel if their parents are not there?” The answer is YES.
A minor is permitted on the premises when attending a
function – a Christmas party in a private function room,
or is consuming a meal – in a group enjoying a meal as
part of their Christmas party celebrations. However, if
the party group move to the public bar for drinks after
their meal or function booking then the minor can only
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