For your own protection, a new government curfew is in effect in Queensland as of July first 2016.

> No adult in the state may purchase a shot of alcohol after 11:59pm.

> All bars must close alcohol service by 3am in government “entertainment districts”

> All bars must otherwise close alcohol service by 2am state wide: in preparation for the 1am curfew to begin in February next year.

30 minutes is to be allowed for customers to swiftly finish drinks already purchased.

Casinos are to be exempted.

These measures appear to fly in the face of data showing Australia, especially Brisbane, to have a near zero violent crime and global homicide rate – which is already on a further downward trend.

This also appears to defy research which, when adjusted for the reduction in jobs and foot traffic, clearly show government curfews such as these:

1. Increase illicit drug use;

2. Disperse crime to the suburbs, away from policing centres;

3. And tend to leave violent crime rates steady overall, but increase violent crime in the exempt casino districts.

However, it is also rumored that illicit money, channeled via casinos and unions, to political parties is the true inspiration for this government intervention.

As a hypothetical thought experiment, when this is taken in to account: can a minority government really be blamed for doing whatever they can to hold power?

Ultimately, at a time of higher youth voter turn out than ever before, and with youth and shift workers reminded of the impact of this legislation at least weekly: it is highly probable these measures will single-handedly bring about a one term Premiership for the Queensland Labor party.

For now, no one will be stumbling home laughing, as the sun comes up, with a group of their mates. Nor a hot hook-up from the night before. There will be no ‘Hens’ or ‘Bucks’ nights out on the town till dawn, to farewell bachelorhood.

These represent yet more experiences now not a possibility for the millennial generation.

In the interim: House-Party anyone?

JJR

*JJR is the psychiatry, malpractice and research science investigator for the Chronicle.

JJR (2016). A New Government Curfew is Now In Effect. JChronLettSc, 01607 (01), Ed5.

..

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