QHA_August-2021-Digital

OLGR
with Victoria Thomson
LIQUOR COMPLIANCE ROLL OUT
QHA REVIEW | 24
The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation’s (OLGR)
compliance officers have been visiting venues, as part
of our proactive liquor compliance program.
Ensuring community safety, the responsible service of
alcohol and preserving local amenity including by not
creating unreasonable noise are among the important
considerations for liquor licensees. The majority of
venues were compliant and I would like to commend
those businesses.
Whether an inspection is planned or not, it is important
to keep on top of your licence requirements. Please
take the time to:
• review your licence and licence conditions to make
sure you know your responsibilities.
• refresh your understanding of what is unreasonable
noise, so your business does not become a
neighbourhood problem. Check out the Tips for
controlling noise.
• ensure appropriate management plans are in
place for alcohol promotions, and are available for
compliance officers to view on request.
• remind your staff of their responsibilities and
undertake further training if required.
• learn more about what to expect during compliance
inspections.
Please contact OLGR Compliance if you have any
questions or need any assistance.
Don’t forget that the responsible service of alcohol
refresher courses are also available on the Business
Queensland website, along with the Behind the Bar
RSA training video. These are very useful training tools.
We all have a responsibility to create a safe yet
inclusive community, so when it comes to staff training,
I would also encourage you and your teams to
undertake disability awareness training.
Concerns have been raised with OLGR about the
interpretation of ‘unduly intoxicated’ and the impact
this has on people with a disability when they visit a
licensed venue.
During recent meetings with venues across the state,
licensees shared examples of when people with a
disability were denied entry or refused a drink because
staff thought they were intoxicated.
While these misunderstandings were able to be
resolved, it is a difficult experience for all involved, but
it also presents a significant learning opportunity for
licensees and their staff.
It is important to ensure that alcohol is served in
a responsible manner but at the same time it is
important not to discriminate against people with a
disability by presuming they are intoxicated.
While the responsible service of alcohol guidelines
state that a venue must serve alcohol in a responsible
manner, venues must also comply with the Disability
Discrimination Act 1992 which makes it illegal to refuse
to serve a person with disability on the grounds of their
disability.
I know that we all want to ensure everyone can enjoy a
night out or time spent with family and friends without
discrimination.
The Australian Government has online resources to
increase disability awareness. Fact sheets are available
on the Queensland Government website to assist with:
• creating inclusive and accessible events
• accessible and inclusive communication
• employing people with a disability
• increasing disability awareness.
These facts sheets, along with training, may assist you
to review your business practices and check how you
can operate your business in a more inclusive way.
In my recent travels, it has been wonderful to see
the increased activity in pubs and clubs/hotels as
Queenslanders return to our venue and boost our
economic recovery.
But all too familiar events remind us that the pandemic
is not yet over and we are still required to be diligent to
ensure the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and
fellow Queenslanders so our venues can remain open.
Your ongoing cooperation, including ensuring all
patrons and staff check in using the Check In Qld app,
is appreciated.