Today, the ACT Government has introduced the Liquor (Night-Time Economy) Amendment Bill 2024, to reduce red tape, and assist licensed businesses to increase their participation in Canberra’s night-time economy, Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for Government Services and Regulatory Reform, announced.

If passed, Ms Cheyne said, the amendments will:

• Encourage more live music, entertainment and cultural activity: Venues that showcase artists, musicians and other cultural activities will be eligible for significantly reduced liquor licensing fees – helping them to support more artists, creatives and performers.
• Provide greater choice for night owls: Licensees will have more opportunities to extend their trading hours and modify their floor plans, giving Canberrans more options for a late-night bite or drink.
• Support new businesses: Starting a licensed business will be easier with the introduction of interim liquor licences, allowing new businesses to open their doors faster.
• Help special events come alive: The Government will have the power to declare special events with automatic extended trading hours for licensees.
• Create a more vibrant nightlife: Offering a wider range of exciting options for after-dark entertainment, fostering a more dynamic and culturally rich city. The Government aims to create a safe and lively night-time scene with a wider variety of businesses catering to different interests.

Subject to passage of the legislation, changes will begin in July.

The Bill reflects what the Government heard from those who work in and create Canberra’s night-time economy, Ms Cheyne said. 

“This is a tranche of reforms designed to achieve the Government’s vision for Canberra’s night-time economy, and forms part of a larger body of work to support night-time economy growth which also includes safety, support for entertainment precincts, and consultation on noise settings,” Ms Cheyne said. “We’ve heard from businesses and the community alike and are responding to their needs by fostering a dynamic social scene in the ACT.

“These latest amendments will ensure day or night, Canberrans and visitors alike can benefit from a city that is safe, accessible and rich with a diversity of experiences.”

On 1 January, the ACT Government reduced liquor fees for small businesses and lengthened trading hours for restaurants and cafés.  

More information on the ACT Government’s night-time economy reform can be found at www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/policystrategic/better-regulation-taskforce/canberras-night-time-economy.