Queensland partygoers who have one too many could be thrown into a drunk tank and forced to pay for the experience, even if they haven't broken any laws, from October 3.

Civil libertarians are furious about the Newman government's plan, describing it as a gimmick to look tough on law and order.

Revellers in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley nightclub and bar precinct.

A Sober Safe Centre will be opened in the Brisbane Magistrates Court's cells on Friday and Saturday nights from October 3 as part of the state government's Safe Night Out strategy.

In the 12-month, $900,000 trial, based on the NSW model, intoxicated revellers will be taken to the centre and then be billed for the experience.