Airport MOU first of its kind for Queensland
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and the Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation
The Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have officially joined forces.
In what was a first for Queensland, the two organisations formally announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today regarding the regulation of the Liquor Act 1992 at the State’s three major airports.
Executive Director for the OLGR Mike Sarquis said the department had been working closely with the AFP for some time now in relation to liquor enforcement at airports across Queensland.
“Two years ago, the OLGR, in conjunction with AFP, created the Brisbane Airport Liquor Accord and since its establishment, the number of alcohol-related incidents requiring AFP attendance at the Brisbane airport has decreased by 20 per cent,” Mr Sarquis said.
“This success has prompted the need to mirror these initiatives across all Queensland airports and we are confident the MOU will greatly assist in this process.
‘‘We know that accords have many benefits and are known to reduce anti-social behaviour, reduce under-age drinking, improve staff awareness and ensure responsible service of alcohol practices are in place.
‘‘The OLGR also provided the necessary training to enable AFP members to conduct liquor compliance activities under the Liquor Act 1992 and, thanks to the MOU, this is something that will continue well into the future.’’
Mr Sarquis said licensed airport venues were like any other in Queensland and have an obligation to provide a safe environment for staff and patrons and supply liquor in a responsible manner.
‘‘This MOU relates to Queensland’s designated airports that the AFP have a presence in however, the OLGR monitors compliance at all regional airport liquor outlets through our proactive and reactive compliance programs – it’s all part of the job,’’ he said.
‘‘Formalising our relationship with the AFP will assist us to continue to work together on liquor enforcement, and the responsible sale, supply and consumption of liquor at major Queensland airports.’’
AFP Manager Aviation, Commander Sharon Cowden said working collaboratively with our partners is an important part of policing our airports.
‘‘For our officers working here in Brisbane, working closely with OLGR officers has been valuable and well received,’’ Commander Cowden said.
“The AFP has seen first-hand the positive impact that the Liquor Accord has had to date and looks forward to continuing our work with the Queensland OLGR.
‘‘Although our airport officers don’t face the same volume of alcohol-fueled violence as police do who work in our major entertainment precincts, it is vital they have the skills to manage liquor-related incidents when they arise.”
“During the holiday season, the volume of travelers through the airports in Queensland is significant, and managing passenger behaviour can be challenging when people have over consumed alcohol.”
‘‘The development of this MOU will assist OLGR and the AFP to manage liquor enforcement and the sale, supply and consumption of liquor at major Queensland airports well into the future, which will ensure we can continue to keep airport visitors and staff safe.’’
For more information on liquor accords visit https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industry/liquor-gaming/liquor/liquor-accords.
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