Image: The Met / Facebook

There Are A Stack Of Anti-Lockout Protests Going Down In Queensland This Weekend

Queenslanders are set to launch three simultaneous ‘Save Our Nightlife’ protests this weekend, rallying against the State Government’s plan to introduce statewide 1am lockouts and 3am last drinks.

In a statement, the group behind the Queensland protests, No Curfew, say three peaceful assemblies will be held in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast and Airlie Beach this Saturday, 19th September.

The ‘Save Our Nightlife’ gatherings will feature speeches and performances from people who are opposed to the State Government’s plans, including politicians, musicians and music industry employees.

No Curfew spokesperson Alex Ghiculescu says the assemblies have been organised to make sure that people who responsibly enjoy Queensland’s nightlife and those who make a living from it can have their voices heard as the State Government’s proposals come before parliament.

“According to the Government DrinkSage trial data, 99.9% of Queenslanders enjoy a night out without either committing crime or becoming a victim of crime,” says Mr Ghiculescu.

“The State Government’s proposal is set to punish the majority of late night venue patrons, who do abide by the law.”

No Curfew’s three Queensland assemblies will also see the launch of a petition against the State Government’s plans.

“Local councils in Brisbane, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Townsville and the Gold Coast have all come out strongly against these proposals,” says Mr Ghiculescu.

“We want to celebrate our nightlife and stand up for the Queensland community, young and old, who enjoy a night out, and those who have built their careers around this important part of our local fabric.”

In June, Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said the State Government’s plan to introduce laws similar to Sydney’s will be supported by “intelligence-led policing, increased liquor licensing inspections and education and awareness campaigns”.

Ms D’Ath also denied reports that the State Government were looking to randomly breathalyse punters inside licensed venues.

No Curfew’s Queensland protests come only a week after thousands of people in Sydney took to the streets for the ‘Reclaim The Streets’ festival in protest of the city’s CBD lockout laws, which lock punters out at 1.30am and stop the service of alcohol at 3am.

Details of No Curfew’s three Queensland protests can be found at the No Curfew Facebook page.

We've sent out a media release to let the press know about our Save Our Nightlife rallies, which will be held all over…

Posted by No Curfew on Tuesday, 15 September 2015

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