Released 25/07/2017
Joint media release: Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA and Gordon Ramsay MLA
The 2017-18 Budget will deliver on the ACT Government’s election commitment to help make nights out in Canberra more fun, lively and safe.
Following reforms announced last year to support Canberra’s bars, pubs and restaurants, we will encourage more outdoor dining by giving cafes and restaurants that host outdoor seating a one-month discount on their permit fees. This will encourage more venues to invest in their business and expand the outdoor dining options on offer at Canberra’s cafes and restaurants.
This Budget will also do more to support local venues across Canberra. We have been listening to what the industry wants, and our reforms will help encourage a more vibrant nightlife while creating even more jobs.
The $5.34 million nightlife package announced today will tackle alcohol-related violence in our city and encourage more small and low-risk venues to open through a reduction in licensing fees.
The package will also see ACT Police hire six new officers to patrol nightlife precincts, providing a stronger and more visible presence to boost public safety.
Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said the Government was committed to ensuring locals and visitors alike can enjoy a night out and be safe while doing so.
“These reforms will improve the safety of Canberra’s nightlife precincts and will reduce the social and economic costs to the community associated with alcohol-related violence while promoting a fun and interesting night out” he said.
Fees for certain off-licensed venues will be increased to fund an education campaign to better inform Canberrans about the safe and responsible consumption of alcohol.
The 2017-18 ACT Budget will see the Government delivering on the commitments we took to the 2016 election on the areas that matter most to Canberrans. We will invest in better health care through our 10-year health plan, better schools for our children and better services for our suburbs, while making the right investments to renew our city and maintain a strong local economy.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases