tag:theconversation.com,2011:/id/topics/quantem-74665/articlesQUANTEM – The Conversation2019-08-14T19:58:44Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1211172019-08-14T19:58:44Z2019-08-14T19:58:44ZTighter alcohol licensing hasn’t killed live music, but it’s harder for emerging artists<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287327/original/file-20190808-144862-49ovmf.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Fortitude Valley is unique in Australia for its concentration of live music venues, like The Valley Drive In, in one small neighbourhood.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.facebook.com/thevalleydrivein/">The Valley Drive In/Facebook</a></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>This is the fourth in a <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/quantem-74665">series of articles</a> discussing a <a href="http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/7/26/evaluation-of-measures-to-tackle-alcoholfuelled-violence">recently released</a> <a href="https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T1074.pdf">comprehensive evaluation</a> of the Queensland government’s <a href="https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/act-2016-004#">2016 policy reforms to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence</a> and the implications for liquor regulation and the night-time economy in Queensland and Australia. A <a href="http://quantem.info/">summary report</a> is also available.</em></p>
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<p>The effect on live music of changes to trading conditions in nightlife precincts <a href="https://theconversation.com/beyond-lockouts-sydney-needs-to-become-a-more-inclusive-city-55821">generates heated debate</a>. That’s because live music matters. It is a unique and important part of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-melbourne-the-music-capital-of-australia-sydney-or-adelaide-might-pip-it-to-the-post-77087">late-night rhythm and culture of the city</a>.</p>
<p>In both <a href="https://theconversation.com/melbourne-music-week-rocks-but-dont-take-the-feedback-for-granted-19147">Melbourne</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/lockout-laws-repeat-centuries-old-mistake-of-denying-value-of-cities-as-messy-places-58281">Sydney</a>, we’ve seen sustained debate about how urban development and regulation of licensed venues affect opportunities for live performance.</p>
<p>Contrary to some of the claims made in these debates, our evaluation of the Queensland government’s <a href="http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/7/26/evaluation-of-measures-to-tackle-alcoholfuelled-violence">tightening of liquor licensing restrictions in 2016</a> suggests no change to the number of venues or impact on the overall trend of an increase in live music performances. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-queensland-on-alcohol-violence-and-the-night-time-economy-121114">Lessons from Queensland on alcohol, violence and the night-time economy</a>
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<p>But staging smaller shows by emerging artists has become more difficult because of the costs of new security requirements. The viability of the venues depends on selling alcohol. As a result, many venues depend on alcohol sales in late-night trade when they convert to being a bar or club with DJs.</p>
<h2>What happened in Fortitude Valley?</h2>
<p>In July 2016, the Queensland government <a href="https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-queensland-on-alcohol-violence-and-the-night-time-economy-121114">changed laws</a> affecting designated safe night precincts like Fortitude Valley in Brisbane. This included serving last drinks at 3am and mandatory ID scanning in venues trading after midnight.</p>
<p>We <a href="https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T1074.pdf">monitored what impact these changes to trading conditions might have on live music</a> in Fortitude Valley.</p>
<p>The Valley is unique in Australia for its concentration of live music venues in one small neighbourhood and the early development of <a href="https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planning-and-building/planning-guidelines-and-tools/other-plans-and-projects/valley-special-entertainment-precinct/valley-music-harmony-plan">policy </a> to protect and foster live music in the area. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/a-live-music-scene-needs-a-live-music-policy-20140">A live music scene needs a live music policy</a>
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<p>The Valley has two overlapping precincts. The special entertainment precinct was created in 2006 to provide regulatory certainty for live music venues. The safe night precinct is the area subject to the 2016 <a href="https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/act-2016-004#">Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence legislation</a>. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286840/original/file-20190805-117871-6cnkl2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286840/original/file-20190805-117871-6cnkl2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286840/original/file-20190805-117871-6cnkl2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286840/original/file-20190805-117871-6cnkl2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286840/original/file-20190805-117871-6cnkl2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286840/original/file-20190805-117871-6cnkl2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=592&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286840/original/file-20190805-117871-6cnkl2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=592&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286840/original/file-20190805-117871-6cnkl2.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=592&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Map of the special entertainment precinct (red) and safe night precinct (blue) boundaries in Fortitude Valley. MPC = Monthly Percentage Change.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
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<p>Live music venues in the Valley compete with large clubs and pubs for space. They are subject to the regulatory and compliance frameworks introduced to contain harms in the precinct. As a result, they are having to rethink how they maintain their distinctive music scenes in rapidly changing neighbourhoods.</p>
<h2>Have live music venue numbers changed?</h2>
<p>Despite its cultural and economic importance of original live music venues, their numbers and performances are not systematically and independently monitored in Australia. Music industry bodies could work with performers and venues to publish independent and reliable information about the number and type of venues and gigs over time.</p>
<p>Music rights licensing organisation <a href="http://apraamcos.com.au/">APRA/AMCOS</a> asks live music performers to submit performance returns that document all their live performances. Our analysis of this data shows live music performances in The Valley have been trending upward since 2001. Our evaluation suggests the Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence policy measures had no impact on this trend. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286842/original/file-20190805-117910-1szi7jw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286842/original/file-20190805-117910-1szi7jw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286842/original/file-20190805-117910-1szi7jw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=393&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286842/original/file-20190805-117910-1szi7jw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=393&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286842/original/file-20190805-117910-1szi7jw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=393&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286842/original/file-20190805-117910-1szi7jw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=494&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286842/original/file-20190805-117910-1szi7jw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=494&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286842/original/file-20190805-117910-1szi7jw.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=494&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">The number of live music performances per month in Fortitude Valley between the 2001 and 2018 financial years. MPC refers to Monthly Percentage Change.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
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<p>This APRA/AMCOS performance data, however, cover everything from cover bands, DJs and ambient music in restaurants and bars to original live music performances in small venues through to stadium rock shows.</p>
<p>We also used a combination of precinct walk-throughs (where we observed original live music venues trading on Saturday nights), street press and social media. We found the number of original live music venues in the Valley has not changed since last drinks and ID scanner regulations were introduced in 2016. While original live music venues come and go, change owners and change names, the overall number in the area has been stable for much of the past 15 years.</p>
<h2>Live music is dependent on late-night trade</h2>
<p>While the trading pattern of venues on Saturday nights has not changed, in interviews we conducted venue owners and managers reported various ways they subsidised or supplemented the income from live music.</p>
<p>Nearly all original live music venues only generate income from bar sales. Proceeds from tickets and the door go to production costs and the musicians. The viability of the venues depends on selling alcohol before, during and after performances.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/queenslanders-are-among-our-heaviest-drinkers-on-nights-out-and-changing-that-culture-is-a-challenge-121115">Queenslanders are among our heaviest drinkers on nights out, and changing that culture is a challenge</a>
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<p>Some venues used profit generated on large weekend shows to subsidise smaller local weeknight shows. These shows matter because they provide opportunities for emerging artists to hone their craft and are part of the distinctive cultural fabric of the city.</p>
<p>However, venue owners indicated that staging these smaller shows has become more difficult because of the prohibitive cost of employing security to operate the mandatory ID scanners. This illustrates how, according to venue owners, efforts to contain harm in the nightlife economy can have unintended damaging effects on cultural scenes.</p>
<p>The majority of venues that support original live music in the precinct are less than ten years old. Many seem well adapted to the commercialised late-night precinct because they combine live music with late-night trade. They put on a show early in the evening and then by midnight convert to a late-night bar or club with DJs.</p>
<p>Some of these venues claimed they would not be commercially viable if they only put on original live music before midnight and then closed. Others indicated live music enabled them to generate revenue earlier in the evening - before a clubbing crowd comes in.</p>
<h2>A policy dilemma</h2>
<p>This kind of adaptation is what you’d expect to see in a market as it reacts to changes in both consumer culture and policy. But it raises thorny questions for cultural and public health policy.</p>
<p>From a public health perspective we might be concerned about original live music becoming dependent on late-night trade and mass alcohol consumption in nightlife precincts. From a cultural policy perspective the ingenuity of venues using the earlier hours of an evening to stage original live music is something to encourage.</p>
<p>The Valley has a unique concentration of live music venues, and cultural policy has played a role in fostering and sustaining this vibrant cultural scene. In one sense that’s a success story the city should celebrate and look to capitalise on alongside the effort to reduce harms in nightlife precincts. But, in another sense, a critical issue is that the effort to both maintain cultural vibrancy and reduce harms is potentially thwarted by venues shifting to a homogenous late-night clubbing model.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/121117/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Nicholas Carah's research has been funded by Queensland state government. He is affiliated with the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education as a non-executive director. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jason Ferris receives funding from from Australian Research Council and Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, grants from State (Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland) and Federal Governments, National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, University of Queensland, National Institute of Health, Global Drug Survey. He is affiliated with the Global Drug Survey and the Queensland Mental Health Commission.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Lachlan Goold and Scott Regan do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The good news is that the growth of live music continued under Queensland’s liquor licensing reforms. The bad news is that venues rely on late-night alcohol sales to cover costs.Nicholas Carah, Senior Lecturer in Communication, The University of QueenslandJason Ferris, Associate Professor, Program Leader for Research and Statistical Support Service and Program Leader for Substance Use and Mental Health, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of QueenslandLachlan Goold, Head of Audio Engineering and Sound Production (Brisbane), JMC AcademyScott Regan, Lecturer in Music and Sound, Queensland University of TechnologyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1211162019-08-13T20:17:52Z2019-08-13T20:17:52ZUnwanted sexual attention plagues young women going out at night<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287453/original/file-20190809-144851-1p50545.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">For young women in Queensland, the risk of unwanted sexual attention is high when they go out at night.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">vchalShutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>This is the third in a <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/quantem-74665">series of articles</a> discussing a <a href="http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/7/26/evaluation-of-measures-to-tackle-alcoholfuelled-violence">recently released</a> <a href="https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T1074.pdf">comprehensive evaluation</a> of the Queensland government’s <a href="https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/act-2016-004#">2016 policy reforms to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence</a> and the implications for liquor regulation and the night-time economy in Queensland and Australia. A <a href="http://quantem.info/">summary report</a> is also available.</em></p>
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<p>A disturbingly high proportion of young people, particularly women, experience unwanted sexual attention in entertainment districts across Queensland. </p>
<p>This is the bad news from a two-year, <a href="https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T1074.pdf">independent evaluation</a> of the Queensland government’s 2016 “Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence” (TAFV) policy (the good news included a <a href="https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-queensland-on-alcohol-violence-and-the-night-time-economy-121114">significant statewide reduction in serious assaults</a>). </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-queensland-on-alcohol-violence-and-the-night-time-economy-121114">Lessons from Queensland on alcohol, violence and the night-time economy</a>
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<p>One in three patrons reported unwanted sexual attention – including harassment, unwanted touching, or sexual gestures – in or around a licensed venue in the preceding three months. Among those who reported unwanted sexual attention, two in three women (68%) also reported physical and/or verbal aggression.</p>
<p>The rate of unwanted sexual attention was highest for young women (ages 18-24). More than 50% had experienced this harm in the previous three months, as the chart below shows.</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286856/original/file-20190805-117861-kq3dkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286856/original/file-20190805-117861-kq3dkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=370&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286856/original/file-20190805-117861-kq3dkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=370&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286856/original/file-20190805-117861-kq3dkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=370&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286856/original/file-20190805-117861-kq3dkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=465&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286856/original/file-20190805-117861-kq3dkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=465&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286856/original/file-20190805-117861-kq3dkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=465&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Proportion of patrons in Cairns, Fortitude Valley and Surfers Paradise entertainment districts who experienced unwanted sexual attention in the 3 months prior, by sex and age category.</span>
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<p>In the Fortitude Valley entertainment district, a staggering one in four reported unwanted sexual attention on the night they were interviewed (26% of 262 female patrons interviewed and followed up the next day).</p>
<p>Over the two-year evaluation, 4,055 patrons (43% female) were interviewed on Saturday nights on the streets of three entertainment districts – Cairns, Fortitude Valley (Brisbane) and Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast). </p>
<p>While the rates fluctuated over time in these areas, the rate of unwanted sexual attention didn’t change when comparing the months before and after the TAFV policy took effect. The chart below shows the trend for Fortitude Valley.</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286857/original/file-20190805-117893-237abq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286857/original/file-20190805-117893-237abq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=331&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286857/original/file-20190805-117893-237abq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=331&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286857/original/file-20190805-117893-237abq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=331&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286857/original/file-20190805-117893-237abq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=416&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286857/original/file-20190805-117893-237abq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=416&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286857/original/file-20190805-117893-237abq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=416&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Proportion of patrons in Fortitude Valley entertainment district who experienced unwanted sexual attention by month and year (June 2016 – June 2018).</span>
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<h2>Uncomfortable truths</h2>
<p>These findings highlight some uncomfortable truths. </p>
<p>First, the unwanted sexual attention young women experience in the night-time economy is an intransigent <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)30991-7/fulltext">public health</a> and safety problem. </p>
<p>Second, the issue is considerably <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10345329.2012.12035957">under-researched</a>. </p>
<p>Third, overcoming the problem requires discussion beyond alcohol accessibility and drinking practices.</p>
<p>The findings of the evaluation sit against a backdrop of increasing global intolerance of the sexual abuse and harassment of women. For example, the number of women reporting sexual assault to Queensland Police has <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/4510.0%7E2018%7EMain%20Features%7EQueensland%7E9">increased for the past six years</a>. This increase might be attributable to the raising of public consciousness (e.g. <a href="https://theconversation.com/metoo-has-changed-the-media-landscape-but-in-australia-there-is-still-much-to-be-done-111612">the “Me Too” campaign</a>).</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/metoo-has-changed-the-media-landscape-but-in-australia-there-is-still-much-to-be-done-111612">#MeToo has changed the media landscape, but in Australia there is still much to be done</a>
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<p>Such awareness-raising has had impacts on broader social norms around sexual aggression towards women. But the evaluation suggests this messaging has largely failed to permeate the social norms of the night-time economy. </p>
<h2>Why haven’t nightlife norms changed?</h2>
<p>Understanding and addressing the mechanisms behind unwanted social attention in this context is particularly challenging. In addition to the broader social norms, licensed venues have their own cultural norms – including sexualised environments and heavy drinking – that often <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10345329.2012.12035957">contribute to unwanted sexual attention</a>. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/queenslanders-are-among-our-heaviest-drinkers-on-nights-out-and-changing-that-culture-is-a-challenge-121115">Queenslanders are among our heaviest drinkers on nights out, and changing that culture is a challenge</a>
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<p>Recent experimental research suggests unwanted sexual attention in these settings may be related to males misperceiving the social environmental cues. They read <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14659891.2016.1179804">alcohol presence</a>, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dar.12214">alcohol consumption and revealing dress</a> by females as signs of sexual interest. They might have been influenced by decades of sexualised alcohol marketing. </p>
<p>Such research highlights the need to better understand the risk and protective factors affecting victims and perpetrators of sexual aggression, and how these factors interact with cues in the physical environment. </p>
<h2>Responsibility is broadly shared</h2>
<p>These findings have many implications for policy and practice. </p>
<p>For a start, many experiences of unwanted sexual attention sit beyond the boundaries of the law. This raises a number of questions. Who is responsible for acting on unwanted sexual attention in and around licensed venues? And is it time to reassess the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0966369X.2015.1090413">individualisation of responsibility</a> in entertainment districts?</p>
<p>One strategy that attributes some responsibility to venue staff has been trialled in cities such as London, Chicago, Vancouver and Melbourne. The <a href="http://www.goodnightoutcampaign.org/">Good Night Out initiative</a> aims to train and empower licensed venue staff to act as capable guardians (instead of bystanders) who intervene in incidents of unwanted sexual attention. While theoretically such approaches are promising, the evidence for such targeted strategies remains limited. </p>
<p>The pervasive problem of unwanted sexual attention in night-time economies also requires attention from local and state governments. Strategies that specifically address this harm should be embedded in alcohol policy. </p>
<p>Without a more sophisticated approach that targets all types of aggression, young women will likely continue to experience high rates of unwanted sexual attention on their nights out.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/no-harm-done-sexual-entertainment-districts-make-the-city-a-more-threatening-place-for-women-81091">No harm done? 'Sexual entertainment districts' make the city a more threatening place for women</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/121116/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Dominique de Andrade was a member of the research team led by Deakin University (Peter Miller) and University of Queensland (Jason Ferris) to evaluate the Queensland Government’s “Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence” (TAFV) legislation.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Cheneal Puljevic was a member of the research team led by Deakin University (Peter Miller) and The University of Queensland (Jason Ferris) to evaluate the Queensland Government’s “Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence” (TAFV) legislation.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kerri Coomber receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Northern Territory Government, and Queensland Government. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Peter Miller receives funding from Australian Research Council and Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, grants from NSW Government, National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, Cancer Council Victoria, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Northern Territory government, Australian Rechabites Foundation, Northern Territory Primary Health Network, Lives Lived Well, Queensland government and Australian Drug Foundation, travel and related costs from Queensland Police Service, Queensland Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing and the Australasian Drug Strategy Conference. He has acted as a paid expert witness on behalf of a licensed venue and a security firm. </span></em></p>Rates of unwelcome advances haven’t changed under Queensland’s ‘Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence’ policies. In one entertainment district, it happened to 26% of women the night they were interviewed.Dominique de Andrade, The University of QueenslandCheneal Puljević, Research Fellow, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of QueenslandKerri Coomber, Research Fellow, Deakin UniversityPeter Miller, Professor of Violence Prevention and Addiction Studies, Deakin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1211152019-08-12T20:03:40Z2019-08-12T20:03:40ZQueenslanders are among our heaviest drinkers on nights out, and changing that culture is a challenge<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287143/original/file-20190807-84240-1kugd6f.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Queenslanders are drinking heavily when they go out and breathalyser tests show most don't realise how drunk they are.</span> </figcaption></figure><p><em>This is the second in a <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/quantem-74665">series of articles</a> discussing a <a href="http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/7/26/evaluation-of-measures-to-tackle-alcoholfuelled-violence">recently released</a> <a href="https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T1074.pdf">comprehensive evaluation</a> of the Queensland government’s <a href="https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/act-2016-004#">2016 policy reforms to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence</a> and the implications for liquor regulation and the night-time economy in Queensland and Australia. A <a href="http://quantem.info/">summary report</a> is also available.</em></p>
<hr>
<p><a href="https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T1074.pdf">Our evaluation</a> of the Queensland government’s 2016 “<a href="https://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/newsroom/alcohol-fuelled-violence.aspx">Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence</a>” (TAFV) policy has found Queenslanders are still drinking more heavily than people in other states when going out at night. </p>
<p>Despite <a href="https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-queensland-on-alcohol-violence-and-the-night-time-economy-121114">significant reductions in serious assaults and other health-related outcomes</a>, reported levels of aggression are also high. </p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-queensland-on-alcohol-violence-and-the-night-time-economy-121114">Lessons from Queensland on alcohol, violence and the night-time economy</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
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<p>Queenslanders report much higher levels of aggression than reported in our previous studies, which asked the same question in <a href="http://www.deakinvpg.info/dashed">Canberra, Hobart</a>, <a href="http://www.deakinvpg.info/pointed">Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Wollongong, Geelong</a> and <a href="http://www.deakinvpg.info/dante">Newcastle</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287147/original/file-20190807-84210-39li2s.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287147/original/file-20190807-84210-39li2s.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287147/original/file-20190807-84210-39li2s.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=331&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287147/original/file-20190807-84210-39li2s.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=331&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287147/original/file-20190807-84210-39li2s.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=331&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287147/original/file-20190807-84210-39li2s.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=416&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287147/original/file-20190807-84210-39li2s.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=416&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287147/original/file-20190807-84210-39li2s.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=416&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Table 1. Percentage of interviewees who report being involved in aggression in and around night-time entertainment precincts in the previous three months.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T1074.pdf">QUANTEM final report</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Female patrons reported experiencing more of all types of aggression than men across all precincts. The next article in this series highlights the worrying number of women who experience unwanted sexual attention while out.</p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/unwanted-sexual-attention-plagues-young-women-going-out-at-night-121116">Unwanted sexual attention plagues young women going out at night</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
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<p>To measure the impact of the 2016 policy changes on alcohol consumption, illicit drug use and aggression, our research teams conducted <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-017-4811-9">street intercept surveys</a> on Saturday nights in Fortitude Valley (Brisbane), Surfers Paradise and Cairns between 2016 and 2018. All participants were breathalysed. Every fifth person was invited to participate in a saliva drug swab. </p>
<p>Across the precincts, 4,401 people – 57% of them male – completed surveys. </p>
<h2>Blood alcohol concentration (BAC)</h2>
<p>Half of patrons’ blood alcohol concentration (BAC in g/dL) readings were over 0.077 (the median value, with a range of 0.000-0.300) in Fortitude Valley, 0.086 (range 0.000-0.290) in Surfers Paradise and 0.087 (range 0.000-0.289) in Cairns. The highest reading, 0.300, is six times the legal driving limit.</p>
<p>These median BAC levels are much higher than other, previously studied cities. The results highlight the challenges of achieving change in Queensland’s drinking culture.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287337/original/file-20190808-144892-1m484o4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287337/original/file-20190808-144892-1m484o4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287337/original/file-20190808-144892-1m484o4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=277&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287337/original/file-20190808-144892-1m484o4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=277&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287337/original/file-20190808-144892-1m484o4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=277&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287337/original/file-20190808-144892-1m484o4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=348&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287337/original/file-20190808-144892-1m484o4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=348&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287337/original/file-20190808-144892-1m484o4.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=348&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Table 2. Patrons’ median blood alcohol concentration (BAC in g/dL) and range of readings.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T1074.pdf">QUANTEM final report</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Interestingly, most patrons are more drunk than they <em>think</em> they are. Before undertaking a breath test patrons were asked to guess their level of intoxication. For example, in Cairns, patrons’ median guess of their BAC reading was 0.070, compared to the measured median of 0.087. </p>
<h2>Pre-drinking</h2>
<p>High alcohol consumption when going out to night-time entertainment precincts includes <a href="https://academic.oup.com/alcalc/article/54/4/378/5486344">pre-drinking</a> (drinking at home before going out; also known as pre-gaming, pre-partying or pre-loading in other countries). As our research teams have documented <a href="http://www.deakinvpg.info/pointed">since 2012</a>, pre-drinking has continued to increase. </p>
<p>With 84% of all patrons reporting pre-drinking before going out, Queensland shows higher levels than in most other previously studied cities. </p>
<p>Overall, male patrons drank significantly more than female patrons when pre-drinking. In Fortitude Valley, though, female patrons were significantly more likely to pre-drink than males.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/womens-alcohol-consumption-catching-up-to-men-why-this-matters-67454">Women's alcohol consumption catching up to men: why this matters</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
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<p>It’s a <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/dar.12525">common belief</a> that patrons choose to pre-drink to avoid buying more expensive drinks while they’re out in bars or clubs. But we found patrons who reported pre-drinking were more likely to drink more heavily across the night. They also reported drinking for longer than those who did not pre-drink.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T1074.pdf">Our report</a> also shows the rate of pre-drinking across the precincts remained mostly stable in the two years after the TAFV policy was introduced in 2016. This suggests it did not affect rates of pre-drinking.</p>
<h2>Illicit drug use</h2>
<p>Rates of self-reported illicit drug use varied between precincts, from 13% of patrons in Fortitude Valley to 25% of all patrons in Surfers Paradise.</p>
<p>Ecstasy was the most commonly used illicit substance reported by patrons (5.5%), followed by cannabis (4%).</p>
<p>Among those who completed saliva drug swabs, the most commonly detected substances were amphetamines in Fortitude Valley and Cairns. In Surfers Paradise, however, it was methamphetamine; with 23.5% of patrons interviewed in Surfers Paradise testing positive for the substance.</p>
<p>Although rates of illicit drug use fluctuated in the two years after the TAFV policy was introduced, overall rates remained largely stable. This indicates the policy did not result in a clear increase or decrease in illicit drug use.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/fact-check-only-drugs-and-alcohol-together-cause-violence-12466">Fact check: only drugs and alcohol together cause violence</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>So what does it all mean?</h2>
<p>Historically, Queensland has high levels of harmful consumption of alcohol, especially in high-risk groups. Around <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/4364.0.55.001%7E2017-18%7EMain%20Features%7EAlcohol%20consumption%7E100">46% of Queenslanders</a> have exceeded single-occasion risk guidelines in the past year, higher than in New South Wales and Victoria. </p>
<p>There has been significant investment in education campaigns across social media and in schools. Despite this, Queenslanders continue to show hazardous levels of alcohol consumption, illicit drug use and experiences of aggression. </p>
<p>Changing cultural patterns relating to pre-drinking and alcohol-related harms will not be easy. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/dar.12274">Previous research</a> suggests further tightening of licensed venues’ trading hours will help. Our report recommendations include introducing a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26098040">minimum unit price on alcohol</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19594797">promoting low-risk drinking guidelines</a> at all points of sale across Queensland. </p>
<p>Our report also recommends trialling live music early in the night to try to bring people into entertainment districts earlier. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/tighter-alcohol-licensing-hasnt-killed-live-music-but-its-harder-for-emerging-artists-121117">Tighter alcohol licensing hasn't killed live music, but it's harder for emerging artists</a>
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</em>
</p>
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<p>Despite the promising results of government policy efforts to date, our evaluation suggests the work to reduce alcohol-related harm across Queensland is not finished. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/factcheck-can-you-change-a-violent-drinking-culture-by-changing-how-people-drink-38426">FactCheck: can you change a violent drinking culture by changing how people drink?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/121115/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jason Ferris receives funding from from Australian Research Council and Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, grants from State (Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland) and Federal Governments, National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, University of Queensland, National Institute of Health, Global Drug Survey. He is affiliated with the Global Drug Survey and the Queensland Mental Health Commission.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Cheneal Puljevic was a member of the research team led by Deakin University (Peter Miller) and The University of Queensland (Jason Ferris) to evaluate the Queensland Government’s “Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence” (TAFV) legislation.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Peter Miller receives funding from Australian Research Council and Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, grants from NSW Government, National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, Cancer Council Victoria, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Northern Territory government, Australian Rechabites Foundation, Northern Territory Primary Health Network, Lives Lived Well, Queensland government and Australian Drug Foundation, travel and related costs from Queensland Police Service, Queensland Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing and the Australasian Drug Strategy Conference. He has acted as a paid expert witness on behalf of a licensed venue and a security firm. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Barbara Wood does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Even after ‘Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence’ policies took effect in 2016, Queenslanders still drink more heavily on nights out. Reported levels of aggression are higher than in other states too.Jason Ferris, Associate Professor, Program Leader for Research and Statistical Support Service and Program Leader for Substance Use and Mental Health, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of QueenslandBarbara Wood, Research Assistant, The University of QueenslandCheneal Puljević, Research Fellow, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of QueenslandPeter Miller, Professor of Violence Prevention and Addiction Studies, Deakin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1211142019-08-11T19:56:47Z2019-08-11T19:56:47ZLessons from Queensland on alcohol, violence and the night-time economy<p><em>This is the first in a <a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/quantem-74665">series of articles</a> on a <a href="http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/7/26/evaluation-of-measures-to-tackle-alcoholfuelled-violence">recently released</a> <a href="https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T1074.pdf">comprehensive evaluation</a> of the Queensland government’s <a href="https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/asmade/act-2016-004#">2016 policy reforms to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence</a> and the implications for alcohol regulation and the night-time economy in Queensland and Australia. A <a href="http://quantem.info/">summary report</a> is also available.</em></p>
<hr>
<p>Under the “<a href="https://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/newsroom/alcohol-fuelled-violence.aspx">Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence</a>” policy, which among other things introduced statewide restrictions on trading hours, Queensland has recorded reductions in assaults, ambulance attendances and hospital admissions. These reductions represent a substantial cost saving to the Queensland community. At the same time, tourism and the number of liquor licences have continued to grow in many areas. </p>
<p>Despite this, levels of alcohol-related harm still remain too high, which calls for further effort.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/all-in-it-together-why-stopping-alcohols-harms-needs-everyone-24212">All in it together: why stopping alcohol's harms needs everyone</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>In this article we describe the report findings from “archival” data – data collected by government services. The next three articles will:</p>
<ul>
<li>describe the data from patron interviews, highlighting levels of intoxication and harm</li>
<li>highlight the unwanted sexual attention reported by patrons</li>
<li>explore the impact on live music.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Queensland government has provided an <a href="https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T1076.pdf">interim response</a> to the report’s 38 recommendations. Community consultation will continue to the end of 2019. </p>
<h2>What were the 2016 policy changes?</h2>
<p>In 2016, the government responded to community concerns about alcohol-related harm by implementing a multifaceted policy with three broad aims:</p>
<ol>
<li>a safer night-time environment, in particular in entertainment precincts</li>
<li>cultural change, including more responsible drinking practices within designated safe night precincts (SNPs)</li>
<li>a regulatory framework that balances the interests of the liquor industry with a reduction in alcohol-fuelled violence.</li>
</ol>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287117/original/file-20190806-84230-1j7v9vp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287117/original/file-20190806-84230-1j7v9vp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287117/original/file-20190806-84230-1j7v9vp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=413&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287117/original/file-20190806-84230-1j7v9vp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=413&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287117/original/file-20190806-84230-1j7v9vp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=413&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287117/original/file-20190806-84230-1j7v9vp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=519&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287117/original/file-20190806-84230-1j7v9vp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=519&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287117/original/file-20190806-84230-1j7v9vp.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=519&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Table 1. Measures introduced as a part of the ‘Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence’ policy (click to enlarge).</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The policy measures were partly based on the successful “<a href="http://www.ndlerf.gov.au/publications/monographs/monograph-43">Newcastle intervention</a>” in New South Wales. From 2008, Newcastle CBD venues closed at 3.30am and had a 1.30am one-way door (or “lockout”). These changes resulted in steady reductions in harms over time. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/last-drink-laws-not-lockouts-reduce-alcohol-fuelled-violence-52815">‘Last drink’ laws, not lockouts, reduce alcohol-fuelled violence</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The measures introduced in Queensland differed from those in Newcastle in four key ways: </p>
<ol>
<li>licensed venues were permitted to remain open after 3am, but not to serve alcohol</li>
<li>the 1.30am one-way door, although originally proposed, was later repealed in light of an <a href="https://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/newsroom/assets/alcohol-fuelled-violence-six-mth-report.pdf">interim report</a></li>
<li>the government introduced mandatory networked ID scanners</li>
<li>venues were able to apply for up to six extended trading permits allowing trade until 5am (reduced from 12 in February 2017).</li>
</ol>
<p>The measures were implemented in a series of steps, shown in the timeline below. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287024/original/file-20190806-84244-yu67r6.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287024/original/file-20190806-84244-yu67r6.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287024/original/file-20190806-84244-yu67r6.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=211&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287024/original/file-20190806-84244-yu67r6.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=211&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287024/original/file-20190806-84244-yu67r6.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=211&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287024/original/file-20190806-84244-yu67r6.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=265&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287024/original/file-20190806-84244-yu67r6.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=265&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287024/original/file-20190806-84244-yu67r6.PNG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=265&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Timeline for implementing TAFV measures (click to enlarge).</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>How did we measure impact?</h2>
<p>We were able to collect and report on more than 40 datasets. The <a href="https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T1074.pdf">full report</a> provides detailed methods. The main elements include:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>administrative service and business data (police, ambulance, hospital, liquor licensing, alcohol sales, transport)</p></li>
<li><p>interviews with patrons in the street (including follow-up surveys)</p></li>
<li><p>interviews with key informants (licensees, police, support service workers, doctors, licensing officials etc)</p></li>
<li><p>structured venue observations</p></li>
<li><p>precinct streetscape and business mapping</p></li>
<li><p>foot traffic counting</p></li>
<li><p>ID scanner data</p></li>
<li><p>live music performances (based on events recorded by music rights licensing organisation APRA-AMCOS and Facebook)</p></li>
<li><p>population surveys</p></li>
<li><p>education campaign assessments</p></li>
<li><p>tourism data and survey</p></li>
<li><p>economic evaluation.</p></li>
</ol>
<h2>What did we find?</h2>
<p><strong>SAFETY</strong></p>
<p>After 2016, there were no deaths around licensed venues in a safe night precinct. </p>
<p>Statewide, the rate of serious assaults from 3am-6am fell by 29% per month on average. But serious assaults increased by 19% earlier in the night (8pm to midnight).</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286892/original/file-20190805-36399-643l1w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286892/original/file-20190805-36399-643l1w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286892/original/file-20190805-36399-643l1w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=431&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286892/original/file-20190805-36399-643l1w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=431&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286892/original/file-20190805-36399-643l1w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=431&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286892/original/file-20190805-36399-643l1w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=542&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286892/original/file-20190805-36399-643l1w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=542&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286892/original/file-20190805-36399-643l1w.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=542&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Figure 2. Rate of serious assault (per 100,000 population) during high alcohol hours (8pm-6am Friday and Saturday nights), Queensland.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/578598c7e4fcb510ac255c7c/t/5d3e38c75339530001bac928/1564358863617/QUANTEM+Final+report+-+Summary_2Apr19.pdf">QUANTEM final report</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A 40% reduction in serious assaults was recorded in Fortitude Valley between 3am and 6am and 35% in Toowoomba (3-6am). Trends were stable elsewhere.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286893/original/file-20190805-36403-921jmk.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286893/original/file-20190805-36403-921jmk.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286893/original/file-20190805-36403-921jmk.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=438&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286893/original/file-20190805-36403-921jmk.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=438&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286893/original/file-20190805-36403-921jmk.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=438&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286893/original/file-20190805-36403-921jmk.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=551&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286893/original/file-20190805-36403-921jmk.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=551&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286893/original/file-20190805-36403-921jmk.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=551&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Figure 3. Quarterly counts of serious assault during high alcohol hours, Fortitude Valley.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/578598c7e4fcb510ac255c7c/t/5d3e38c75339530001bac928/1564358863617/QUANTEM+Final+report+-+Summary_2Apr19.pdf">QUANTEM final report</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/66529/WHO_MSD_MSB_00.4.pdf;sequence=1">Alcohol-related</a> ambulance call-outs were reduced significantly statewide: 11% on average per month 3-6am, and in all safe night precincts (29% 3-6am).</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286895/original/file-20190805-36386-3c7zo3.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286895/original/file-20190805-36386-3c7zo3.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286895/original/file-20190805-36386-3c7zo3.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=426&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286895/original/file-20190805-36386-3c7zo3.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=426&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286895/original/file-20190805-36386-3c7zo3.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=426&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286895/original/file-20190805-36386-3c7zo3.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286895/original/file-20190805-36386-3c7zo3.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286895/original/file-20190805-36386-3c7zo3.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=535&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Figure 4. Rate of monthly alcohol-related ambulance call-outs for Queensland, July 2011 to June 2018.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/578598c7e4fcb510ac255c7c/t/5d3e38c75339530001bac928/1564358863617/QUANTEM+Final+report+-+Summary_2Apr19.pdf">QUANTEM final report</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Hospital admissions for ocular bone fractures also fell significantly statewide, as did intracranial injuries in Greater Brisbane. These are some of the most common fractures related to alcohol.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286898/original/file-20190805-36372-17kv83r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286898/original/file-20190805-36372-17kv83r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286898/original/file-20190805-36372-17kv83r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=435&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286898/original/file-20190805-36372-17kv83r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=435&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286898/original/file-20190805-36372-17kv83r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=435&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286898/original/file-20190805-36372-17kv83r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=547&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286898/original/file-20190805-36372-17kv83r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=547&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286898/original/file-20190805-36372-17kv83r.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=547&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Figure 5. Monthly count of intracranial injury hospital admissions among 16-to-65-year-olds, Brisbane.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/578598c7e4fcb510ac255c7c/t/5d3e38c75339530001bac928/1564358863617/QUANTEM+Final+report+-+Summary_2Apr19.pdf">QUANTEM final report</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Hospital admissions for alcohol intoxication and a range of injuries, which had been increasing, also levelled out statewide and in Brisbane.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286897/original/file-20190805-36353-fijzae.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286897/original/file-20190805-36353-fijzae.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/286897/original/file-20190805-36353-fijzae.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=438&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286897/original/file-20190805-36353-fijzae.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=438&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286897/original/file-20190805-36353-fijzae.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=438&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286897/original/file-20190805-36353-fijzae.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=550&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286897/original/file-20190805-36353-fijzae.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=550&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/286897/original/file-20190805-36353-fijzae.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=550&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Figure 6. Monthly rate of alcohol intoxication hospital admissions among 16-to-65-year-olds per 10,000 population, Queensland.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/578598c7e4fcb510ac255c7c/t/5d3e38c75339530001bac928/1564358863617/QUANTEM+Final+report+-+Summary_2Apr19.pdf">QUANTEM final report</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/fewer-alcohol-related-visits-to-inner-sydney-emergency-room-since-lockout-laws-introduced-92343">Fewer alcohol-related visits to inner Sydney emergency room since 'lockout laws' introduced</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Other key findings included:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>no displacement of issues to outside safe night precincts for most of the state</p></li>
<li><p>at least one serious crime solved (such as rape and grievous bodily harm) per week using ID scanner data.</p></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>DRINKING CULTURE</strong></p>
<p>Key findings included:</p>
<ul>
<li>the proportion of patrons in safe night precincts reporting pre-drinking remains high and has not changed</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/queenslanders-are-among-our-heaviest-drinkers-on-nights-out-and-changing-that-culture-is-a-challenge-121115">Queenslanders are among our heaviest drinkers on nights out, and changing that culture is a challenge</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<ul>
<li>education/awareness campaigns were ineffective at reducing intoxication and violence.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>BUSINESS IMPACTS</strong></p>
<p>The economic evaluation identified a A$16 million overall benefit from the changes to the Queensland community. The returns on every dollar spent by govt on implementation have been A$1.96-6.80. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287122/original/file-20190807-84210-p1kig6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287122/original/file-20190807-84210-p1kig6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/287122/original/file-20190807-84210-p1kig6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=141&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287122/original/file-20190807-84210-p1kig6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=141&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287122/original/file-20190807-84210-p1kig6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=141&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287122/original/file-20190807-84210-p1kig6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=177&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287122/original/file-20190807-84210-p1kig6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=177&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/287122/original/file-20190807-84210-p1kig6.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=177&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Table 2. Benefit, cost, net present value (NPV) and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) sensitivity analysis using 50% of implementation cost to the government (in 2018 dollars)</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/578598c7e4fcb510ac255c7c/t/5d3e38c75339530001bac928/1564358863617/QUANTEM+Final+report+-+Summary_2Apr19.pdf">QUANTEM final report</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Other findings included:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>increased number of liquor licences across Queensland</p></li>
<li><p>increased number of people using transport (public transport, taxis and Uber) on weekend nights in Fortitude Valley over time</p></li>
<li><p>tourism continues to grow strongly statewide</p></li>
<li><p>all live music performances have continued to increase. However, the number of original live music performances may have continued declining since 2012.</p></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/tighter-alcohol-licensing-hasnt-killed-live-music-but-its-harder-for-emerging-artists-121117">Tighter alcohol licensing hasn't killed live music, but it's harder for emerging artists</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Building on the gains</h2>
<p>The findings are terrific news in terms of reductions in ambulance callouts, serious assaults and hospital admissions, although alcohol-related harm across much of Queensland has remained stable. Further, the policy has not significantly harmed business and has delivered an overall economic benefit to the community. </p>
<p>The report made <a href="https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2019/5619T1076.pdf">recommendations</a> to further reduce alcohol-related harm. These include increasing banning periods for unruly patrons, shutting venues at 3.30am and introducing point-of-sale health promotion. </p>
<p>But, overall, the evaluation is a good news story for the people of Queensland. These findings hold important lessons for other states grappling with how to reduce alcohol-related violence.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/designer-nights-out-good-urban-planning-can-reduce-drunken-violence-52768">Designer nights out: good urban planning can reduce drunken violence</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/121114/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Peter Miller receives funding from Australian Research Council and Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, grants from NSW Government, National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, Cancer Council Victoria, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Northern Territory government, Australian Rechabites Foundation, Northern Territory Primary Health Network, Lives Lived Well, Queensland government and Australian Drug Foundation, travel and related costs from Queensland Police Service, Queensland Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing and the Australasian Drug Strategy Conference. He has acted as a paid expert witness on behalf of a licensed venue and a security firm. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jason Ferris receives funding from from Australian Research Council and Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, grants from State (Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland) and Federal Governments, National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, University of Queensland, National Institute of Health, Global Drug Survey. He is affiliated with the Global Drug Survey and the Queensland Mental Health Commission.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Kerri Coomber receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Northern Territory Government, and Queensland Government.</span></em></p>A comprehensive two-year evaluation of statewide measures introduced in 2016 has shown it’s possible to reduce alcohol-related violence while also producing economic benefits.Peter Miller, Professor of Violence Prevention and Addiction Studies, Deakin UniversityJason Ferris, Associate Professor, Program Leader for Research and Statistical Support Service and Program Leader for Substance Use and Mental Health, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of QueenslandKerri Coomber, Research Fellow, Deakin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.