One licence to rule them all: government cuts red tape for festival organisers

The state government has promised “one permit to rule them all” for festival organisers as part of a crackdown on red tape.

Punters enjoying Festivale. Picture: Supplied.

The state government has promised “one permit to rule them all” for festival organisers as part of a crackdown on red tape.

Minister for Sports and Events Nick Duigan said the government was determined to reduce the burden on event organisers and stallholders.

Under the new system, a new Tourism and Hospitality Event Permit will allow multi-vendor events to operate under a single permit.

Party in the Paddock 2025. Picture: Eden Wilday

“Getting approval for a music festival, food and wine event, or community market will be faster and simpler under this new process,” Mr Duigan said.

“That will reduce the burden on individual stallholders and bring certainty and confidence to organisers.

“It’s important that we bring liquor laws into the 21st century and remove outdated and paperwork heavy rules when it comes to events.”

The change comes as part of the government’s major overhaul of what it describes as “outdated liquor licence rules”.

On Monday Minister for Hospitality and Small Business Jane Howlett announced changes to make it easier for venues to serve alcohol outdoors or extend their hours for special events.

“Hospitality businesses have been telling us this red tape is holding them back from taking their business to the next level,” she said.

The summer event of Tasmania's iconic Museum of Old and New Art has joined a growing list of nationwide festival cancellations. Picture: MONA FOMA Facebook

“Through our new licence endorsements, we will give businesses permission to act under their licence rather than having to apply for multiple permits.

“These changes will make it easier for restaurants and cafes to serve drinks outdoors, allow extended trading after dark where appropriate and give hospitality businesses more flexibility in how they operate when it comes to takeaway offerings.”

And on Sunday Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced other changes to liquor licencing including a ten-day time frame for approval, new “fit-for-purpose” licence categories for operators such as wineries, cellar doors and microbreweries.

And he promised that low risk venue would pay lower fees as part of sweeping reforms to the liquor licensing process as part of his government’s war on red tape.

“Whether you are running a small bar, a winery, a tourism business or an event – we want to make things simpler, faster and fairer,” Premier Rockliff said.

“These reforms are about modernising outdated rules, cutting red tape and importantly, creating new opportunities for small businesses.”

Originally published as One licence to rule them all: government cuts red tape for festival organisers