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IN PHOTO: A bartender serves beers in a bar in central Sydney May 11, 2009. The Australian government will announce on May 12 what is the most keenly watched national budget in years, as the country heads for a recession, unemployment rises and rumours swirl of a possible early general election. The government is expected to increase taxes for cigarettes and alcohol in this budget. REUTERS/Daniel Munoz

The bar business owners on Queensland's Gold Coast are reportedly pushing its council to allow small, alcohol-only bars in the region. The town’s current plan doesn’t offer exclusive licences to run bars, which prompted bar owners to sell alcohol out of their restaurants, taverns or hotels.

However, policy isn’t as simple as it sounds, because operating out of those facilities means including a food menu along with a drinks menu. And that’s not all, it also means food sales must exceed drink sales.

A bar and restaurant owner Scott Imach, said he has been requesting the council to change the law for a long time now. "You've either got have accommodation or gaming; club licences you're obviously gaming and you've got to be an affiliated club, so then it comes back to again restaurant licences, which is the only other thing available. It's a massive shame," he said.

Mr. Imach's six weeks visit around Europe to understand their bar options, compelling him to think that the Gold Coast is behind the times when it comes to having small bar facilities.

The Number Game

Figures from the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation reveal out of 49 other commercial bar licences in the entire Queensland, the Gold Coast local government area owns only three.

Mr. Imach said busy nightclubs don’t always attract people, sometimes they want to enjoy in the trendy, low-key social venues. Small bars are mushrooming across the country from Melbourne to Sydney; in fact, in Brisbane there are at least a dozens of those and people really love partying out there.

The Authority’s Side Of The Story

Gold Coast City Councillor Greg Betts said the current town plan compiled more than 10 years ago when there was no demand for bars.

He admitted that the council has already added the need for small bars in its new plan, but that too will have to wait till it gets approval from the State Government. If approved, the plan will see space limitations and conditions for small bar owners. Meanwhile, some local residents have appreciated the move.

Contact the writer on barsha23@gmail.com

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