John ‘J.C.’ Collins touted as Brisbane night-life commissioner

A dedicated night-time commissioner tasked with revitalising Brisbane’s 24-hour economy is being considered by Premier Steven Miles, with a local music identity an early favourite.

• Editor’s view: Must save night-life

A dedicated night-time commissioner tasked with revitalising Brisbane’s 24-hour economy is being considered by Premier Steven Miles, following calls from leaders who say the sector is being strangled by overbearing regulations.

But Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said an immediate review of the state’s lockout laws and ID scanning rules was what was needed, and said questions on whether they worked or just hindered the night-time economy needed to be answered.

Six months after club owners, restaurateurs and live music venue operators called for a dedicated leader to revitalise the night-time precincts – as Sydney has done – The Courier-Mail can reveal the viability of such as position was being investigated.

It comes after the shock impending closure of iconic Brisbane live music venue The Zoo, whose owners said last month they had been left with no choice but to close after more than 30 years due to industry-wide financial pressure.

Mr Miles’ spokeswoman said the government was in full support of working with operators to address the opportunities and challenges unique to the night-life industry.

“This could include investigating the viability of a dedicated night-life economy commissioner or expanding the responsibilities of an appropriate existing role,” she said.

John “J.C.” Collins with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner

“Queensland’s night-time economy generates millions each year and supports thousands of jobs right around the state, in small business, arts, entertainment, tourism and more.”

Industry leaders such as Powderfinger bassist and Triffid owner John “J.C.” Collins and QMusic chief executive Kris Stewart have lent their voice to call on the government to take steps to address the regulations ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games.

Brisbane hospitality guru Andrew Baturo – who owns multiple venues across the city – said it was something which needed consideration, particularly with the Olympics on the horizon.

“We need to think and appreciate our night time economy, and if someone’s leading the charge, that would be good,” he said.

“J.C. would be an awesome commissioner, he’s so incredibly beloved and well known – he would be a fantastic leader and I would fully support him.

“He hasn’t just talked about Brisbane night-life – he’s walked it.

“There’s not one operator that doesn’t want a safe environment for people to go out in … but we need to make it busy and safe.

“Bustling cities like New York, Paris, Hong Kong – they have done it well.”

Mr Baturo also praised the Lord Mayor, saying he was a huge advocate of getting the Brisbane night-life on track.

John Collins’ The Fortitude Music Hall in the Brunswick Street Mall

“It’s a direction we need to start pushing towards because we’re not like Sydney with the beach on our doorstep, we need to create something internally within the city walls.”

Mr Schrinner – prompted by the “sad news” of the impending closure of The Zoo – also took aim at the state government for imposing extra regulations which had led to increased costs and downward pressure on revenue for venues within the safe night precincts.

“Brisbane’s reputation as a great destination to live and visit just keeps getting better, which is fantastic for our local economy,” he told The Courier-Mail.

“But we can’t afford to let cumbersome state government regulations like lockout laws act as a handbrake on our success.”

Mr Schrinner said with the laws in place since 2016 it was time for a proper independent review into whether they were working, and said it should be tasked with looking at better alternatives such as improved public transport.

“Do these laws actually improve safety? Are the expensive ID scanner machines venues require helping or hindering? Or are all these rules just adversely impacting Brisbane’s night-time economy?” he said.

“These questions need to be asked.

“If the state government funded more late-night bus and train services, people would be able to access our party precincts cheaper and, importantly, get home sooner and safer.

Tia Gostelow with Busby Marou at The Fortitude’s opening in 2019

“Running 24-hour services on weekends, like we’ve proposed for Brisbane Metro, really can improve safety because it means people would spend less time waiting for a cab or Uber ride, which is often where the issues are.”

Mr Schrinner also pointed to efforts the Brisbane City Council had made, despite “virtually all of the industry-wide levers being held by other levels of government”.

“We’ve introduced special protections for entertainment venues through the Fortitude Valley Special Entertainment Precinct and we continue to drive dedicated activations, events and marketing programs specifically in the Valley to bring more customers to local businesses in the Valley,” he said.

“I will continue to help wherever possible and advocate to the state and federal governments for greater support of Brisbane’s small venues.”

Opposition CBD activation spokesman Tim Nicholls said there was a clear message from businesses, council, venues, restaurants, residents and musicians that they wanted a plan to breathe life back into the CBD and the Valley.

“A vibrant night-life is critical for any thriving city and the LNP is committed to reinvigorating our night-time economy through support for businesses and by making our community safer,” he said.