Salamanca bar manager welcomes Labor’s plan to boost hospitality sector
Labor has announced a plan for Salamanca at night to be as iconic as the local Saturday market. And one bar is already on board.
Tasmania
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A Salamanca bar manager has thrown his support behind Labor’s plan for night-time economy zones saying they will create jobs and attract young people.
Daniel Conway of The Pavilion said restrictions were costing the hospitality sector and venues’ takings were down between 20 and 50 per cent on 12 months ago.
“We need to draw people back out, bring them back down to Salamanca and just create a massive culture and just an environment with something for them to do in a fun and safe environment,” he said.
“It is all about growth. Growth equals more jobs, more opportunities.
“It’s everything from creating more businesses, pop-ups, entrepreneurship, everything that can make hospitality fun again.
“We should be leaders in tourism and hospitality.”
Mr Conway said by having a night-time economy zone in Salamanca it would create activities for young people to enjoy and encourage talented musicians.
Labor candidate for Franklin, Amelia Meyers, 19, said with the closure of the Uni Bar many young people were looking at other places to visit at night.
“A lot of us do end up drinking with our friends in the uni accommodation just because it’s a bit cheaper and a bit easier, but also there hasn’t been as much going on in town and especially in Salamanca,” Ms Meyers said.
“A lot of other states and territories have had a better nightlife than what Hobart has seen.”
Labor leader Dean Winter is basing his night-time economy zones on NSW and said concerns of Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds “can be overcome”.
“This is a business that had to battle to put TVs outside. This is an area where you still can’t have a full band play outdoors despite it being Tasmania’s biggest nightlife precinct,” he said.
“We need to have a state government that is going to drive change within local government so we can have a vibrant hospitality sector and a night time economy that’s fun and safe.
“This strategy will help revitalise Tasmania’s nightlife and contribute to my vision of making our state the easiest place in Australia to do business.”
Mr Winter said his bold plan for a night life revival would start in Salamanca and be expanded to Launceston and Devonport.
“Salamanca’s markets are iconic in the day time. I see an opportunity to make the precinct iconic in the night time too,” he said.
“What we’ve seen in our cities over the course of the last few years is businesses that have been curtailed by a red tape from local councils.
“We need to help young people see a future here, and make them want to stay. Our plan is for more housing, well-paid jobs and a night life that is thriving.”
Labor also wants to modernise the 35-year-old Liquor Licensing Act and introduce a simplified, low-cost liquor licence for small businesses, pop-up events, and food trucks.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he had been working with the Tasmanian Hospitality Association on a range of measures to free up red tape to support the hospitality industry.
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Originally published as Salamanca bar manager welcomes Labor’s plan to boost hospitality sector
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