State rejects nightlife tsar’s push for extended retail, end to ID scans Updated ,first published The Queensland government has ignored key recommendations to allow extended retail, scrap ID scanning at certain venues and encourage teenagers to attend gigs in a desperate bid to revitalise Brisbane’s struggling live music and nightlife scene. On Wednesday, the government published its official response alongside the long-awaited Moonside report, prepared by Queensland’s inaugural Night-Life Economy Commissioner – former Powderfinger bassist John “JC” Collins – which made 62 proposals to fix Brisbane nightlife. That response did not support 21 of the recommendations, including an option for later trade at retail and supermarkets in party suburbs, staggering exits from clubs to enhance safety, and extending trading hours on Good Friday and Christmas. The use of facial recognition software to replace ID scanners and deal with long lines would also be ignored, with Youth Minister Sam O’Connor, whose department handled the report, deeming the proposal unsafe. “It’s our view that that technology is not at the point where it can replace the current system,” he said. The government’s response, a 22-page action plan, has a strong focus on existing Safe Night Precincts. It will offer liquor licensing discounts to live music venues and alter noise complaints law to give music venues a fighting chance. Under a new noise complaint framework, venues must get five other complaints before the problem is taken seriously. Noise limits will also be reviewed, and a process for special events licensing hours – like those seen during the World Cup for Socceroos games – will be streamlined. Incentives for venues to provide drink spiking test kits were supported in principle, with the government declaring the industry and Safe Night Precinct boards would be well-placed to promote and implement the practice. There are 15 such