Heat On Aussie Closing Hours

A spate of drunken assaults in entertainment strips in major cities throughout Australia has led state governments to try different ways to combat the problem.

Queensland will cut back on late-night clubs. Of the state’s 6,600 licensed premises, 142 have 5 a.m. licenses. At least 40 of these will face problems renewing their annual trading-hours permits. In June, the Queensland Liquor Act will be overhauled to introduce harsher regulations on extended trading.

In South Australia, police called for a review of trading hours, complaining of patrons loitering outside clubs after 3 a.m.

There is also a move to stop 24-hour licenses for venues. Consumer groups say venues should offer subsidised taxis as a "duty of care" to patrons. The Australian Hotels Association argues that the government needs to improve public transport.

The Tasmanian government during the first week of March discussed on-the-spot fines for underage drinking, confiscation of fake IDs by security, higher penalties of up to $12,000 (from $2,400) for serving alcohol to minors and intoxicated patrons, and greater powers for the Licensing Commissioner to investigate people applying for a liquor license.

But current opening hours and the amount of licensed venues will remain unchanged in Tasmania.