LIQUOR LICENSING

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:38): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, representing the Minister for Police, questions about the enforcement of liquor licensing laws in South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: I draw the minister's attention to an article in yesterday's InDaily regarding the recent enforcement of liquor licensing and what proprietors see as overzealous policing by this government. Local licence holders are concerned that police resources are being committed to 'sting' operations and the like to catch proprietors out for what appear to be minor and petty offences, such as noncompliant receptacles, one example being where a proprietor had switched to plastic cups from glass for patron safety, only to be pinged. Many of these petty cases have ended up in court, only to be thrown out or for proprietors to be slapped on the wrist. My questions are:

1. Given the recent trouble with organised crime and public shootings, does the minister believe this is an efficient use of police resources?

2. Why are police resources being committed to these operations when the penalties are minor and the benefits of such enforcement are not plain to see?

3. Why is the minister clogging an already overburdened court system with these petty cases?

4. Considering the Premier's push for so-called renewal of the CBD, has any discussion of these issues gone through cabinet?

5. Why is the minister making it harder for small business people and entrepreneurs to trade in South Australia?

6. Can the minister explain how this policy will encourage people to invest in the hospitality industry in South Australia versus somewhere like Victoria?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:40): I thank the honourable member for his important question on the enforcement of liquor licensing laws. I undertake to take that question to the Minister for Police in the other place and to seek a response on his behalf.