Sex sells... unless you've got a liquor licence, that is
The proposed Liquor Control Reform Amendment Bill 2021 seeks to sanction any business with a liquor licence whose advertising is deemed to be 'directly or indirectly sexual'.
This amounts to a ban on advertising in hospitality altogether.
Look at websites, promotions, and marketing across the industry – restaurants, bars, clubs, pokie venues and Crown Casino all use the allure of sex to appeal to patrons and passers-by.
Don't believe me? Tell me that the busty mermaids and throbbing pink hearts of a slot machine's 'attract mode' are not sexual – will the government follow through by banning this 'directly or indirectly sexual' advertising?
In a statement to the Herald Sun the government claims their proposed changes are 'informed' by The Royal Commission into Family Violence. However, of the Commission's 227 recommendations, not one relates to advertising:
The 227 family violence recommendations
We are all social and sexual beings – there is no guilt and shame in it, so what is the government's issue with sexuality? More importantly, why does it only apply to businesses with a liquor licence?
If it passes unchanged, this law will grant the government excessive and unchecked powers to ban any business with a liquor licence from advertising. Find out just how wrong-headed this new law is:
REPORT: how this law helps no-one & hurts hospitality
If businesses can't advertise, businesses can't survive. The clock is ticking. The Victorian Legislative Council sits again in a week's time, on October 5th.
If you value your business and livelihood, please contact the minister and let her know your concerns:
The Honourable Melissa Horne
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation
Melissa.Horne@parliament.vic.gov.au
Level 22, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
(03) 8392 8020
Once again, please get in touch with me directly at any time to discuss by email.
Regards,
Peter Iwaniuk
Director
Entertainment Management Services Pty Ltd
peter.i@emsptyltd.com