ACT drops closing time lockout laws, Keep Canberra Open rally to continue

The ACT Government has decided to drop the mooted 3 am closing time for bars and nightclubs after the balance-of-power Greens said they would not support it – essentially scuttling the initiative in its current form.

"The Greens didn’t support restrictions on trading hours because we want Canberra to have a thriving night time economy," Shane Rattenbury of the Greens said.

"It would shut down opportunities for nightlife and entertainment in Canberra, when in fact we should be moving in the other direction.”

The Government’s approach in a white paper to alcohol-fuelled violence in entertainment precincts was to keep the current liquor licence fees for venues which stayed open until 3 am. Those who with a door-open policy until 4 am would have their fees raised by 300%. Those which traded until the current closing time of 5 am would cop a 500% increase.

The Government repeatedly emphasised that the rise in fees was to throw out the message that late night venues should also pay for greater security measures like more cops on the beat, more CCTV and better lighting.

But venue operators, who spearheaded the Keep Canberra Open campaign insisted the initiative was “a lockout by stealth”. It believes that the plan is only being put on the shelf until after the ACT elections in October. 

In fact, Keep Canberra Open will still hold its rally this Saturday, after a petition was signed by 7,000 people.

The group declared, “We are extremely proud with the results we have achieved since beginning ‪#‎KeepCanberraOpen. The Government’s decision to back down on the proposed changes to liquor licensing is a result of our dedication and passion towards protecting Canberra’s late night culture! 

“Despite the changes, Keep Canberra Open supporters must remain vigilant as the Government has ‘put off’ but NOT ABANDONED making a decision on last drinks or closing times until after the election. We must continue with our Rally to ensure the Government makes it clear what changes it will implement if it were to be re-elected. Together we can rally for a stronger and safer late-night culture.” 

Keep Canberra Open spokesman Ryan Sabet, a partner at the nightclubs Academy and Mr Wolf, further urged the Government to provide a written guarantee the legislation would not be brought back if it was returned to power, to provide certainty to the live music sector. 

Attorney-General Simon Corbell stated the Government would continue to work with police and venues to reduce street violence. It also intends to introduce new legislation later in the year to "lower licence fees for lower risk venues and red tape reduction for cafes." 

The Greens suggest that any licensing reforms should encourage smaller bars, restaurants, and live music. It also wants the idea of a Night Mayor investigated. 

Australian Hotels Association (AHA) praised the Government for listening to public opinion. “Whilst we support many of the proposals outlined in the Building on Liquor Reform White Paper, penalising a small number of venues through increased licence fees and changes to opening hours is not the answer to decrease misuse of alcohol in the ACT,” stated Jo Broad, its General Manager.