Canberra’s peak hospitality body AHA ACT has recommended ways to turbocharge the city’s CBD in its submission to the Inquiry into Canberra’s Night Time Economy.

It says the region’s night-time economy can thrive if just a few simple steps are taken to reduce pressure on business, get rid of outdated rules and improve transport options on what should be busy nights.

In it’s submission, AHA ACT makes almost 30 recommendations on topics ranging from outdoor dining, liquor licensing, improving late-night transport options, live music, reducing red tape and improving industry engagement.

AHA ACT General Manager Chris Gatfield said: “We don’t need to re-invent the wheel here – Canberra already has so much going for it.

“We have world-class venues, amazing staff, and a strong tourist offering, but we still need to do all we can to work together to make sure the city doesn’t shut down after dark.

“Canberra’s night-time economy doesn’t need more one-offs, food trucks and pop-ups. It needs government to help existing bricks and mortar operators to run profitable businesses, employ more people and provide that great experience for locals and tourists alike in the heart of the national capital.

“Simple things like aligning late night transport with venue closing times on weekends to get people home, different ways to use rideshare, making sure one vexatious neighbour can’t whinge a live music venue out of existence, making it easier for venues to manage their trading hours – all of these little things add up.”

Gatfield said it was time for outdated bureaucratic red tape, like the current requirement for the Commissioner for Fair Trading to approve what a dancefloor is, to go.

“This is like something from the movie Footloose – I’m sure the Commissioner has better things to do than police people dancing in Canberra venues,” he said.

“It’s not the job of government to decide what a dancefloor is or isn’t in a big city in 2026. It would also be great to see different agencies bought together and work more closely with industry to give a ‘one stop shop’ to make all our lives a bit easier – simple things like that can reduce the pressure on business and really see the Territory thrive after dark.”   

Committee reviews submissions

The ACT Legislative Assembly’s inquiry into Canberra’s night-time economy has a focus on enhancing safety, reducing regulatory burdens and boosting vibrancy.

The Committee will inquire into and report on the opportunities and challenges affecting the night-time economy in Canberra’s CBD and town centres, including:

1. The economic performance, employment and business sustainability of Canberra’s night-time economy
2. The regulatory environment including licensing, planning, noise regulations, entertainment precincts, safety and public transport
3. The role of live music, special events, hospitality and entertainment venues in attracting residents, visitors and investment into Canberra’s night-time economy
4. Opportunities to diversify and enhance Canberra’s night-time economy, including late-night retail, food, drink, leisure, and accommodation, particularly given the changing entertainment preferences of young people
5. The governance arrangements for social, economic and cultural development of the night-time economy, including the potential remit for a dedicated Night-Time Economy Coordinator or Office within the ACT Public Service
6. International and domestic best-practice principles that could inform how Canberra’s night-time economy can support greater community inclusion and cohesion.