Locals try to make sense of security

BALLOONS? Check. Finger food? Check. Security guards? Check.

It might sound excessive, but revellers wishing to hire Brisbane's council halls for parties or functions are now also required to hire a security guard.

Under new policy, organisers of functions with at least 80 people attending must hire one security guard, with an extra guard for each additional 100 people.

The new condition was implemented by Brisbane City Council after it received numerous complaints about parties at the halls.

Seven BCC halls have been affected by the policy so far, including those at Inala and Acacia Ridge.

President of the Inala Pensioners League Ann Egan has used the hall to host numerous charity events and believed her functions did not require security.

"Some of our events attract around 150 people but it's not like we're having a rave," she said.

"You're looking at 70 to 90-year-old people attending. Why do we need it?"

Mrs Egan said she was upset by the fact that money spent to hire security would mean less money to benefit charities.

"If you're having a wild party then I can understand the use of security," she said.

"But for organising a charity event, I don't think we should."

A council spokesperson said the required security would only apply on Fridays and Saturdays with any events held from noon to midnight.

The council would engage security guards from its preferred supplier list and pass on the charge to the customer.

Richlands councillor Milton Dick said he was disappointed about a new charge that would put more financial strain on locals who wanted to hire a community hall.

"Church and community groups often hold fundraisers and events on weekends at our community halls," he said.

"These groups shouldn't be penalised."

Cr Dick said there were other measures the council could have taken such as doing security checks and looking at bookings on a case by case basis.

"Or taking a bond for large bookings," he said.

But Brisbane Lifestyle chairwoman Krista Adams said the policy was a commonsense approach to ensuring everyone had a good time at large weekend events.

"While also ensuring both visitors and ratepayers are protected," Cr Adams said.

Would hiring a security guard make you think twice about hiring a council hall? Or do you think it's a long overdue move to control rowdy suburban parties? Email thesatellite@qtcn.com.au.