University survey reveals challenges faced by Sunshine Coast nightclub owners

What the Sunshine Coast’s nightlife sector needs to thrive are up for discussion as a new study finds gen Z behaviours and the region’s early rising lifestyle are hurting the industry.

A University of the Sunshine Coast study has revealed some of the challenges faced by local nightclub owners.

New research has shone a light on challenges affecting the Sunshine Coast’s night life industry, as a local nightclub owner reveals the impact the cost of living crisis and customer spending habits is having.

A new University of the Sunshine Coast study found a lack of transport and cost of living challenges are having a negative impact on the night life industry.

Lead author Dr Lenny Vance said the findings were revealed in a survey of 10 representatives from the local nightclub scene, including industry stakeholders such as venue owners and musicians.

“Cost of living is biting in multiple ways, not just consumer spending, but with operating and supply costs, and staff not being able to afford to live close to venues, making them harder to attract,” Dr Vance said.

“There are also distinct local issues, some are cultural such as the coast’s ‘sparrow lifestyle’ - early to bed/early to rise - and changes in Gen Z behaviours.”

Solbar at Ocean St, Maroochydore.

It found businesses were initially optimistic about the prospect of a successful post-COVID return, but the reality failed to match expectations particularly in the live music sector with the closure of venues such as NightQuarter and Eleven Dive Bar.

Sol Bar co-owner Alex Johns believes the biggest challenge at the moment is consumer behaviour and people choosing to hold onto their disposable income.

“There is always going to be a market for it, people will always want to go out, but when times are tough, some people will stay away,” Mr Johns said.

“We’ve seen spending habits change significantly in the last six months really, people are just being tighter with their disposable income.

“That is just the nature of it, we’re just in a slower time at the moment.”

Solbar co-owner Dimi Limnatitis pours a 'Diablo' at the bar.

Mr Johns added that the change in consumer behaviour has led to increased competition between operators.

“People can’t afford to go through all the nightclubs and pay cover charge in each space,” he said.

“They’re a lot more deliberate about where they go out, so you have to try and offer the best product possible and hopefully they keep coming.”

In a bid to improve the local nightlight scene, Mr Johns suggested improving available transport options and venue diversity.

Sunshine Coast police on patrol at the Ocean Street safe night precinct in Maroochydore. Picture: Patrick Woods

“The transport available in that situation does have an impact, if it is going to be too hard and a mission to get home, they will just stay away,” he said.

“I think we probably need a few more live music venues, there’s a lot of nightclub and DJ options out there.”

The survey follows a push by the Noosa Council to establish a safe night precinct in Noosa Heads, after a string of violent brawls.

As part of that push, Aqua Lounge and Nightclub co-owner Ken Woods called for extra police on the ground and a solution for transport issues.