Qld: Beer and pokies off breakfast menu
01 Jan 2009 12:01 AM
BRISBANE, Dec 31 AAP - The days of having a beer with brekky and a flutter on the pokies in Queensland are over.
At midnight on Wednesday, the state's liquor and gambling laws change.
Pubs and clubs can no longer pop champagne corks or turn the beer taps on at 9am - instead they now have to wait until 10am.
And no venue will be able to turn on the poker machines before 10am.
"It was never intended for gambling or drinking at breakfast time," Premier Anna Bligh said.
"No hotel will serve alcohol from 7am.
"The earliest they can serve alcohol is 9am and this is only with specific Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing approval - otherwise the norm is now 10am."
About 300 venues - including some early-starting sporting clubs, and liquor stores with lease conditions requiring opening - will be allowed to operate prior to 10am for special reasons.
"There remains more than ample time to have a drink or a flutter with 14 hours trading from 10am to midnight," the premier said.
Venues trading past midnight must hold elevated risk permits, which are being progressively introduced under a new permit system.
"Extended hours trading is a privilege, not a right and comes with serious responsibilities,'' Ms Bligh said.
