From the start of next year, smaller licensed restaurants and cafés will be able to trade for longer and pay less for licensing fees, the ACT Government announced today.

The reforms have been made to enhance the Territory’s night-time economy and foster a more vibrant hospitality sector, Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for Business and Better Regulation, said.

From 1 January, licensed cafes and restaurants that seat 80 people or fewer will be able to trade until 2am, and have reduced licensing fees. General licensed businesses will no longer need to have separate areas to sell liquor for on- and off-premises consumption.

“These changes aim to reduce costs for businesses, encourage extended trading hours, and foster innovative business models – ultimately contributing to a more dynamic and diverse night-time experience for Canberrans,” Ms Cheyne said.

By July 2024, the government will incentivise venues to showcase artists, musicians and other cultural activities, and all licensed businesses will be able to extend trading hours up to 10 times a year at no cost.

“These reforms will encourage new entrants into the market,” Ms Cheyne said. “By reducing the administrative burden, businesses will have more time to do what they do best – service the Canberra community and create more of a buzz around the city.

“We recognise the immense potential of Canberra’s night-time economy to drive economic growth and create jobs.

“A key priority for the ACT Government is building on Canberra’s unique strengths and developing our city as a leading destination. This means ensuring unnecessary regulatory barriers are removed and creating an environment where businesses can thrive and Canberrans can enjoy an extended and varied array of entertainment options.”    

Kristin and Dino Martiniello, the owners of Herbert’s, a small eatery serving local beers and wines in Evatt, said: “This is an absolute game changer for small local venues like ours. At Herbert’s, we proudly host local artists and musicians. We are so pleased that venues like ours are recognised and encouraged to continue this through meaningful and tangible support like fee reductions.”

The Canberra Business Chamber welcomed the policy.

“This is a positive announcement from the ACT Government,” CEO Greg Harford said. “Cutting pointless red tape and freeing up businesses to focus on their customers is really positive. By extending maximum trading hours and reducing fees, businesses will have more flexibility and ability to deliver great experiences for their customers. Not all hospitality businesses will want to extend their hours, but will be led by what their customers want, and their ability to staff the extended hours.

“There are lots of challenges in the hospitality sector at present, with reduced customer demand as the economy tightens, so anything that helps those businesses is a good thing.  Additionally, the Canberra Business Chamber would also like to see faster processing of liquor licences.”

The ACT Government will review how noise complaints are managed in the City Centre Entertainment Precinct. Consultation on this will start soon.

Access Canberra’s Event Coordination and Business Assist Team can help businesses understand opportunities and flexibility under ACT legislation, and provide tailored support for individual business needs.

More information about Canberra’s night-time economy can be found at: www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/policystrategic/better-regulation-taskforce/canberras-night-time-economy