Nathan
Paull / July 1 2016 - 6:39AM
An
increase in licensing fees, fines and electricity prices in the Sunshine State
could be enough to drive Queenslanders to drink.
But
that could be hindered anyway, with the first phase of the government's
controversial lockout laws coming into effect on Friday as part of a raft of
changes in Queensland for the new financial year.
Lockout
laws a 'negative' for revellers
Last
drinks are called early at Queensland pubs from Friday morning, but nightclub
patrons fear the new lockout laws will "push people out on to the
streets". 7 News Queensland
Liquor
service hours have been reduced to 2am state-wide, except in designated
entertainment precincts, where alcohol can be served until 3am.
In
all venues, "rapid intoxication drinks" - including shots, drinks
with more than 45ml of spirits and pre-mixed drinks with more than 5 per cent
alcohol - will be banned after midnight.
Six
months' car registration for a four-cylinder vehicle jumps from $340.40 to
$352.30.
Six
months' car registration for a four-cylinder vehicle jumps from $340.40 to
$352.30.
"Our
package of laws is designed to encourage people to feel safe enough to go out
at night and enjoy the diversity of Queensland's entertainment and nightlife
options," Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said.
The
remaining reforms, including the actual 1am lockouts, will be phased in between
September and February.
Meanwhile,
fees, charges and fines will go up by 3.5 per cent from Friday - more than
twice the state's inflation rate of 1.7 per cent.
A
five-year licence will rise $5.60 to $165, while six months' car registration
for a four-cylinder vehicle will jump from $340.40 to $352.30.
New
regulated retail prices for regional Queenslanders will also mean price hikes,
costing the average household about $41 more a year.
Prices
will also be deregulated in southeast Queensland, which the government argues
will increase competition.
However,
the opposition says the government hasn't done enough to educate the public
about the changes.
CHANGES
IN QUEENSLAND ON JULY 1
•Liquor
laws - reduced hours, no shots after midnight
•Fee
hike - fees, charges and fines to increase 3.5 per cent
•Electricity
- southeast Queensland market deregulated; regional Queensland regulated, which
will see increases
•Councils
- Mayors and councillors to receive up to 2 per cent pay rise
•Hospitals
- government's mandated nurse-to-patient ratios come into effect
•Disability
- NDIS starts rolling out across the state
This story has been brought to you by the Emerald Chamber of Commerce Inc.
(Ph: 07 4982 3444)
(Ph: 07 4982 3444)
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