Alcohol and the law
Let’s keep Queenslanders safe. Let’s stop alcohol-fuelled violence.
Under the Liquor Act 1992 there are laws to minimise the risk of alcohol-related harm.
ID scanning in licensed venues
Networked ID scanning is in operation at all venues in safe night precincts (SNPs) that trade past midnight on a permanent basis (unless they are of a category considered low-risk or of an exempt class). This means that you will have your ID scanned each time you enter one of these venues.
ID scanners have been introduced to help ensure the safety of patrons by checking each person's ID against a database of individuals who are subject to a banning order.
If you are subject to a banning order, the venue is legally obliged to refuse you entry.
Privacy requirements for information collected by ID scanners
All venues operating ID scanners are required to comply with privacy obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act). An ID scanner will only capture the following personal information from a person’s ID:
- name
- date of birth
- photo
Acceptable forms of ID
Your ID document must be current and include your photo and date of birth. The 5 forms of ID that are acceptable at licensed venues are:
- all Australian drivers licences*
- an adult proof of age card (e.g. Australia Post Keypass identity card)
- Australian and foreign passports
- foreign drivers licences - must display name, photo and date of birth of the licence holder. (Where a foreign drivers licence is not in English, an international driver permit issued in the country of origin is acceptable).
*If you have recently renewed your Queensland driver licence but are still awaiting its arrival by mail, you can present your expired driver licence for scanning. However, the licence must be presented with your Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) Driver Licence Renewal Receipt.
Changes to serving times in safe night precincts (SNPs)
The Queensland SNPs are:
- Airlie Beach
- Brisbane CBD
- Broadbeach CBD
- Bundaberg CBD
- Cairns CBD
- Fortitude Valley CBD
- Gladstone CBD
- Inner West Brisbane (including Caxton Street)
- Ipswich CBD
- Mackay CBD
- Rockhampton CBD
- Sunshine Coast (Caloundra, Maroochydore and Mooloolaba)
- Surfers Paradise CBD
- Toowoomba CBD
- Townsville CBD.
Inside safe night precincts venues can't serve alcohol after 3am
The latest time venues in SNPs can serve alcohol is 3am. However, licensed venues within SNPs will be able to serve alcohol until 5am up to 6 times per year to cater for special events.
The time a venue stops serving alcohol is determined by their liquor licence conditions. Check the trading hours with the venue. You will have 30 minutes after last drinks are called to finish your drink. Venues can remain open to serve food, non-alcoholic drinks and provide entertainment after alcohol service ends.
Inside SNPs you can access support services there to offer assistance to anyone needing help.
Outside safe night precincts venues can't serve alcohol after 2am
The latest time venues outside of SNPs can serve alcohol is 2am. However, licensed venues outside of SNPs will be able to serve alcohol until 5am up to 12 times per year to cater for special events.
The time a venue stops serving alcohol is determined by their liquor licence conditions. Check the trading hours with the venue. You will have 30 minutes after last drinks are called to finish your drink. Venues can remain open to serve food, non-alcoholic drinks and provide entertainment after alcohol service ends.
Exemptions to changed hours
Changes to the hours alcoholic drinks can be served, do not apply to:
- casinos
- licensed premises in airports
- industrial canteens.
Certain licensees may be able to continue to serve alcohol to residents and guests of residents, provided consumption is confined to the resident's room.
Casinos and airports are exempt as they already have strict controls in place in their venues to address issues of harm. The nature of their operations also differs to other venues.
Venues cannot serve rapid intoxication drinks from midnight
Alcoholic drinks that rapidly intoxicate, such as shots, shooters and bombs, can only be served until midnight.
This includes:
- all drinks designed to be consumed rapidly
- drinks containing more than 45ml of alcohol
- pre-mixed alcoholic drinks containing more than 5% alcohol by volume and/or containing more than 2 standard drinks.
A pre-mixed beverage must be within both of these limits to be served after midnight.
Cocktails that are not designed for rapid consumption are exempt from the ban, provided they are listed on a cocktail menu with a set price.
Casinos and airports are exempt as they already have strict controls in place in their venues to address issues of harm. The nature of their operations also differs to other venues.
Responsible service of alcohol
All staff of licensed premises in Queensland who serve or supply alcohol must have a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate.