Labor has unveiled plans to review and modernise the state’s ageing liquor licensing laws with the goal of “unlocking” the night-time economy.
After previously revealing his intention of cutting council red tape, leader Dean Winter said the current 35-year-old Liquor Licensing Act fails to address modern realities.
“When this Act was written there wasn’t a wine sector. We didn’t have craft beers in Tasmania and we didn’t have smart phones,” he said.
“We need to update it so that it’s quicker and easier for businesses to deal with, so that we start saying yes to exciting new developments instead of no all the time.”
The proposed reforms includes the creation of entertainment precincts protected from noise complaints, new low-cost licences for smaller events and a ‘one-stop shop’ for permits with fixed approval timelines.
The plan also encourages more family-friendly options such as twilight markets and outdoor cinemas, increased night-time transport options and partnerships between arts organisations and licensed venues.
Winter said that while Tasmania’s current hospitality offering is strong, it could be “even better if we take the handbrake off”.
“I want to see a Tasmania state that’s open to business, that’s got a vibrant hospitality sector, that young people want to stay in and I think we need to work and move over the top of councils if we need to,” he said.
On the Hobart waterfront, Customs House Hotel owner Paul Jubb said outdoor dining restrictions were having a negative impact on his business.
“We have the Sydney-Hobart Festival, we open for 24 hours, 4 days, but we’re not allowed to have outside dining or drinking after 12am,” he said.
“I think all venues state-wide are very responsible these days. We provide security, we provide a safe environment … the best place to enjoy a beer with your mates is in a venue.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the state government had already begun work on updating licensing rules.
“It’s not about reviews, it’s about action and that’s exactly what we’ll be taking,” he said.
“We’re working with hospitality organisations, the hospitality industry. We’re engaged in work right now and look forward to making some announcements shortly.”
