Released 10/04/2024
Today the ACT Government passed the Liquor (Night-Time Economy) Amendment Bill 2024, highlighting the ACT Government’s commitment to supporting businesses and boosting Canberra’s night-time economy through responsible, fit-for-purpose and flexible regulation.
Designed to create greater flexibility for businesses and to legislate the ACT Government’s commitment to Canberra’s night-time economy, the Bill will provide tangible benefits to ACT businesses, especially small and medium enterprises.
Minister for Government Services and Regulatory Reform, Tara Cheyne, explained that the reforms will deliver a more flexible and responsive regulatory environment and are designed to support small and medium-sized venues diversify their business models and attract new clientele.
“We’re investing in the ACT’s night-time economy through better regulation and enshrining in legislation the ACT Government’s commitment to live music, entertainment and tourism.
“Canberra is building a reputation as Australia’s Arts Capital and a destination of choice for business and tourism alike. A strong, vibrant, and diverse night-time economy is essential to the continued growth of our tourism and visitor economy.”
Reforms to commence in April 2024 include:
- Allowing more businesses to supply complimentary liquor without a licence: This will provide flexibility for businesses wishing to provide a boutique service to their clients where the supply of complimentary alcohol is ancillary to the purpose of the business, allowing for new and inventive business models.
- Enshrining in legislation the ACT Government’s commitment to the development of the ACT’s night-time economy: Amendments to the Objects of the Liquor Act 2010 will enshrine a legislative commitment to the responsible development of the ACT’s night-time economy.
It will also ensure that any decision under the Act considers the benefits to industry, community and local economy, while also observing harm minimisation and community safety principles.
Amendments to the Objects of the Liquor Act 2010 aligns the ACT with other Australian jurisdictions, including NSW, QLD, VIC and SA, who have enshrined support for the night-time economy, live music and tourism in their liquor licensing frameworks.
“We're continuously looking at ways we can further enhance the city’s night-time experience while balancing the need to ensure community safety. Safety is always a priority,” said Minister Cheyne.
“Regulation needs to be agile and fit the needs of businesses, while taking into consideration harm minimisation and community safety. When drafting the amendments, a key priority was to ensure there was the right balance of creating a more vibrant and responsive night-time economy with a risk-based approach and ensuring the safety of staff and patrons alike.”
Additional reforms relating to extended trading hours, interim liquor licences and a reduction in annual licence fees for eligible licensees for supporting live music and the arts are expected to commence July 2024.
Further information on the ACT Government’s night-time economy reforms can be found at www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/policystrategic/better-regulation-taskforce/canberras-night-time-economy.
- Statement ends -
| Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases