Queensland 'reconsidering lockout laws'
Queensland's government is reportedly considering canning or delaying its controversial planned 1am lockout for the state's nightclub precincts.
Instead of the lockout, due to start in February, the government is considering an improved scanning and banning regime if an interim report into its liquor licensing laws shows the first round of restrictions are working, The Courier-Mail reports.
Within the next two weeks it is believed an interim report will be received.
"We are progressing the next stage in the schedule of our laws, as we await the data in early January of the first six months of our laws ... The government will not pre-empt the research data," Acting Premier Jackie Trad told the newspaper.
It is claimed that the Premier has been approached by nightclub operators in Fortitude Valley who have reportedly proposed to improve ID scanners, provided the government is prepared to suspend the implementation of the 1am lockout for a year and analyse the assault data.
The Courier Mail understands the government and the licencees have almost reached an agreement following more than a month of discussions.
It is believed that lockout laws will be made a campaign issue by licencees if an agreement is not reached, with an election likely this year.
News break - January 2
