New reforms aim to protect and enhance Canberra’s nightlife

New reforms have been introduced by the ACT Government aimed at ensuring both Canberrans and visitors alike can benefit from a city that is safe, accessible and rich with a diversity of experiences.

Canberra’s nightlife is benefitting from new reforms that remove regulatory barriers and allow for more flexibility across trading hours, celebration of special events, reductions in liquor licence fees and now new fit-for-purpose Noise Standards for entertainment noise in the City Centre Entertainment Precinct.

In a further boost to musicians and the night-time economy, free loading zone permits will be available for musicians to access loading zones for up to 30 minutes to load and unload musical equipment, as part of a 12-month trial. Musicians will soon be able to apply for a permit via the Access Canberra website.

The passage of the Liquor (Night-Time Economy) Amendment Bill 2024 in April of this year has already provided a more flexible regulatory framework for businesses to stimulate growth and foster a thriving night-time economy that benefits all.

Further reform measures commenced in July 2024, allowing businesses more flexibility around their trading hours, a significant reduction in annual liquor licencing fees for supporting live music and the arts, and new provisions around celebrations of special events such as the Olympics and Floriade.

ACT Minister for the Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Tara Cheyne noted “The night-time economy reforms that we are delivering will make a tangible difference to businesses in the ACT, many of which are small and medium enterprises, and will have a positive impact on the community, particularly those Canberrans who want lively and diverse night-time experiences that can be enjoyed in a safe and welcoming environment.”

Following the introduction of a new City Centre Entertainment Precinct (CCEP) through the Territory Plan, the ACT Government has introduced new fit-for-purpose Noise Standards to protect and support the Territory's entertainment and cultural scene. These aim to:

• Support local businesses: Support and grow live music venues, bars, and restaurants and other non-licensed entertainment venues in the CCEP

• Boost artistic growth: Support the ACT’s live music ecosystem including local artists and industry workers

• Elevate visitor experience: Provide a wider range of entertainment offerings, attract more visitors and boost the city’s cultural vibrancy

• Consider community wellbeing: Ensure a balanced approach that respects the health and well-being of the community while future proofing business development

Minister Cheyne added “This substantial reform package, which has been implemented over the course of 2024, supports existing businesses as the city grows, assists businesses to diversify their business models, and encourages new businesses to establish. It also provides certainty for musicians, artists, and performers to showcase their talents and build their reputation and audience.

“The new Noise Standards for the City Centre Entertainment Precinct will give aspiring and existing venues and artists the confidence to operate and perform. By fostering a dynamic and inclusive nightlife, the ACT Government aims to drive economic growth and make Canberra an even more lively destination for work, life, and leisure.”

President of MusicACT, David Caffery shared “this policy package is a turning point in the cultural development of Canberra. Our young city is growing up. No longer is the city reserved for daytime shopping and meetings: soon, the heart of our city will beat with music.

“These policies will take years to be fully realised by industry and audiences, and now is an excellent time for this to happen. COVID and this economic winter has been hard on our industry, but today is a welcome sign of hope. To musicians and audiences: Canberra City is ready for you. Start planning events, buy tickets, get your friends together, because our little Capital is growing up. In a few years, Canberra will have a radically different nightlife. I thank the ACT Government for listening to the community to make these important reforms."

General Manager of Australian Hotels Association ACT, Chris Gatfield added “The reality is that fun isn’t silent. These reforms recognise that if people move next door to a pub or a bar in a vibrant night-time precinct, they should expect a certain level of sound that comes with that. As our night-time economy continues to grow, we want Canberrans and tourists to get out after dark and enjoy our award-winning pubs, bars, and restaurants. AHA ACT congratulate Minister Cheyne and the ACT Government and look forward to enjoying more live music in venues more often”.

The ACT Government is retaining more stringent noise settings for other noise such as construction noise, plant and equipment, machinery, and residential noise in the CCEP.

More information on the ACT Government’s night-time economy reforms can be found online.