One Nation will roll back the Queensland government’s controversial ID scanning requirements for pubs and clubs if it holds the balance of power after the state election.
Under the policy, released to AAP, ID scanners would be removed, Safe Night Precincts abolished and an across-the-board 3am closing time imposed.
One Nation Queensland Leader Steve Dickson says the policy is about establishing a “level playing field”.
One Nation Queensland Leader Steve Dickson (above, centre) plans to roll back the Queensland government’s controversial ID scanning requirements for pubs and clubs
“One Nation wants to stop criminalising the sale of alcohol and normalise the role and place of hotels and licensed premises in the Queensland community,” Mr Dickson said.
“Enjoying drinks with a friend is part of what it is to be a Queenslander.”
It comes after Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and his entourage were denied entry to a Brisbane bar last Friday because they didn’t have valid identification.
Pauline Hansen’s (pictured above) One Nation will get rid of ID scanners at Queensland pubs and clubs if it holds the balance of power after the next state election
The incident has cast fresh light on the state’s ID scanner laws, which came into effect in July as part of the minority Labor government’s effort to curb alcohol-fuelled violence.
One Nation claims the scanners are just a “sop” to alcohol related violence, and have “killed” the vibrant entertainment hub of Brisbane.
The right-wing party has the potential to win a handful of seats at the state election, which could potentially give them the balance of power if there is another hung parliament.
Australia’s draconian liquor laws are sure to now attract international attention after Danish Crown Prince Frederik was turned away from a Brisbane bar last Friday
In that scenario, Mr Dickson insists the ID scanner rollback would not be negotiable.
“None of our policies are negotiable, if the parties want to form a government with us, it’s all on the table,” he said.
Prince Frederik, 49, and his entourage were denied entry to the Jade Buddha Bar just before midnight on Friday evening because they did not have identification, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Prince Frederik and his entourage were denied entry to the Jade Buddha Bar (pictured) just before midnight on Friday evening because they did not have identification
The group left the establishment, but returned 15 minutes later armed with seven Queensland Police officers who confirmed the identity of the prince.
The Denmark royal has been in Australia this month competing in the Hamilton Island Race week.
He is currently in Australia without his wife, Princess Mary, who chose to stay in Denmark rather than return to her home nation. The two famously met in a Sydney pub during the Olympics in 2000.
Prince Frederik is currently in Australia without his wife, Princess Mary, who chose to stay in Denmark rather than return to her home nation
The Denmark royal has been in Australia this month competing in the Hamilton Island Race week
Prince Frederik, Princess Josephine, Prince Vincent, Princess Mary pose before the children’s first school day (pictured)
The owner of the bar located on the Eagle Street Pier intervened before the situation could become any more embarrassing, and the prince and his party entered the club.
‘It’s a stupid law. We always thought it was going to be a nightmare,’ the bar’s co-owner Phil Hogan told the Telegraph.
‘This is just the tip of the iceberg with the Prince. It’s happening all the time with normal people.’
Prince Frederik and his group were reportedly shocked by the denial, and quickly enlisted the help of police who told security at the Jade Buddha Bar (pictured) they had the authority to override the laws
New identification scanning laws in Queensland dictate anyone entering a premises after 10pm must have their passport or drivers license on-hand. The devices have cost venues $8,000 each to implement.
Prince Frederik and his group were reportedly shocked by the denial, and quickly enlisted the help of police who told security at the Jade Buddha Bar they had the authority to override the laws.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Jade Buddha Bar for comment.
Prince Frederik (left) smiles with daughter Josephine(center left), son Vincent (center right) and Princess Mary (right)
The two (pictured) famously met in a Sydney pub during the Olympics in 2000