Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
The Liquor Amendment Bill 2024 prioritises responsible, flexible regulation to benefit local businesses.
The Liquor (Night-Time Economy) Amendment Bill 2024 has passed.
Reforms to commence this month include allowing more businesses to supply complimentary liquor without a licence.
The changes will help boost Canberra’s night-time economy through responsible, fit-for-purpose and flexible regulation.
They will provide tangible benefits to ACT businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, and are designed to create greater flexibility for businesses and to legislate the ACT Government’s commitment to Canberra’s night-time 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.
The reforms 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.
A strong, vibrant, and diverse night-time economy is essential to the continued growth of Canberra’s tourism and visitor economy.
The amendments will help support small and medium-sized venues to diversify their business models and attract new clientele through a more flexible and responsive regulatory environment.
Amendments to the Objects of the Liquor Act 2010 align 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.
The amendments were drafted to balance the creation of a more vibrant, responsive night-time economy with a risk-based approach, 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 in 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.
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