Page 882 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 22 March 2017
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
owners will all be reformed. These changes will make Canberra a better place to go out for a meal for a special event or just to enjoy an evening.
As the Chief Minister announced in September last year, our fee structure for liquor licences will reflect a positive focus on smaller venues and restaurants. Smaller venues offer a lower risk environment with less crowding and great opportunities for the innovative, unique dining and drinking experiences that Canberra is becoming known for.
The reform package will come with a 25 per cent reduction fee for small venues. This fee reduction recognises the unique contribution that small venues make to Canberra’s night economy and will make it significantly easier for those businesses. Regulation changes will help everyone in the industry to participate in a more vibrant Canberra.
Canberra hosts many food and drink-centred events. Members may have noticed that Canberra’s brewers, vine growers and other liquor licence holders will often attend these events, and they will contribute a stall. They may also want to stay open later to accommodate greater numbers of people. Under the new rules, licensees will have up to six extended hour trading authorisations for use for special events. They will be able to host a special event and stay open later more easily.
These are just a few examples of the benefits that will come from this reform package. The government has worked hard with industry and is delivering reform that will help make Canberra a more interesting, fun place to enjoy.
MR STEEL: Minister, can you outline how the regulatory changes will contribute to public safety?
MR RAMSAY: I thank Mr Steel for his supplementary. The legal reform package combines red tape reduction and small business enhancement with a series of important public safety measures. Alongside legislation, this reform will come with new police resources to patrol and to monitor the most active night venues in Canberra. This is a direct investment in ensuring the safety of Canberrans who want to enjoy a night out.
The new legislation will also contribute to public safety by improving the ability of licensees to manage their clubs with safety in mind; improving the power of Access Canberra to oversee the industry and to require it to take safety measures; and also using funds from licence fees for very high volume retail sellers to educate the public about alcohol.
Opposition members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Members! The attorney is answering the question.
Mr Gentleman: On a point of order, Madam Speaker, I know you are attending to the members opposite. They did not get the call. You gave the call to the attorney.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video