Queensland schools and not-for-profit organisations could be able to skip permit applications next time they serve alcohol at a small event under proposed legislation to cut red tape.
The proposed Bill will allow organisations to serve alcohol for up to eight hours at small events without applying for permits.
The Bill was tabled by Queensland Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie who said it aimed to introduce a “commonsense approach” to liquor regulations, and make life easier for schools and not-for-profits.
“Social events are often held to raise money and schools and community groups shouldn’t have to incur the cost of applying for the licenses and go through all the paperwork,” Mr Bleijie said.
“Many of these regulations and requirements are unnecessary and cause headaches for groups planning an event.
“It is important to maintain accountability in the interest of the community, but I think it is also important to look at where processes can be simplified in relation to small events.”
As a safety measure, organisations could lose their permit exemption if found to have irresponsibly served alcohol.
During the introduction of the Bill to the Queensland Parliament Mr Bleijie said the government would allow organisations to sell liquor “without requiring them to jump through unnecessary regulatory hoops and pay additional unwanted costs”.
The Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation currently requires not-for-profit organisations to purchase a community liquor permit to sell alcohol. The permits cost $57 per day and applications must be lodged 21 days prior to the event.
The Bill, which is titled the Liquor and Gaming (Red Tape Reduction) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013, is currently being considered by the Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee.
