Labor leader wants red tape eased so night-life can kick off

Labor leader Dean Winter wants red tape eased for a 24/7 economy model if elected to govern to revitalise night time operators such as bars and live music venues. Here’s why.

File image of group of young people celebrating and toasting with Champagne during the night out.

Hobart’s subdued night-life could be in for a significant transformation if Labor leader Dean Winter is elected, with a promise to establish a 24/7 economy, following New South Wales’ lead.

Mr Winter argues that inner-city pubs and clubs are stifled by red tape and restrictive requirements that force some venues to turn down music after 10pm, draining vibrancy from the city.

“We know that in Tasmania, young people are leaving in numbers we’ve never seen before, every four days, a plane load of young Tasmanians leaves for the mainland,” Mr Winter said.

“We want to reduce the red tape that has been strangling the hospitality sector for too long. Our aim is to incentivise live music in Tasmanian hotels, pubs, and clubs.”

Opposition leader Dean Winter. Picture: Linda Higginson

If elected, Labor would collaborate with local councils to cut unnecessary permits and fees for late-night venues, streamline land-use approvals, and simplify regulations to make it easier and more affordable for night-time establishments to set up in popular locations like Salamanca Place.

Mr Winter points to the success of the 24/7 economy model in countries worldwide, as well as in New South Wales.

Critics of Australia’s onerous night-life restrictions say that pub culture and live music have been suffocated over time, most notably in Sydney’s Kings Cross, where lockout laws changed the area’s iconic night-life status.

According to Mr Winter, similar cultural limitations are taking hold in Tasmania.

“In Salamanca, for example, we’ve seen bans on live outdoor music. Pubs have been forced to turn off outdoor TVs. It’s as if the ‘fun police’ have arrived to shut things down.”

Local DJ and hospitality manager Brock Murpett echoed this sentiment, saying the industry has been “doing it tough” for a long time.

“The red tape and restrictions we face daily and every weekend are real challenges.” Mr Murpett said.

“Everyone wants to enjoy Hobart’s beautiful views, but we’re limiting their experience by essentially having no sound outdoors.”

2023 figures from the City of Hobart indicate the “night-time economy” contributes over $850 million annually, representing 5 per cent of the city’s economy, a 10 per cent increase on the previous year.

It also employs over 7,000 people, more than 14 per cent of Hobart’s total workforce.

Jane Howlett is the Minister for Small Business and Hospitality. And said her government was Tasmania’s “strongest supporter of our tourism and hospitality industry”.

“We are significantly investing in the vibrancy of our State with more than $68 million injected into events, an additional $12 million for our 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy, and a $50 million regional tourism loan scheme.”

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Originally published as Labor leader wants red tape eased so night-life can kick off