Report highlights importance of Hobart’s night time economy

A new report has highlighted the importance of Hobart’s night-time economy, with hopes it can return to pre-pandemic levels.

New research into night-time economies across the country is hoped to assist in economic recovery after the pandemic, with the figures painting a positive pre-pandemic picture.

The Measuring the Australian Night Time Economy report showed the number of establishments contributing to the night time economy increased by 5.5 per cent in the year ending in June 2020.

“It’s been really positive to see Hobart grow this part of the economy in the last ten years,” Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.

“The night-time economy is clearly an important part of our character and employment.

“The goal of the research is for capital cities to demonstrate CBDs is where a lot of night time businesses will do well.”

The data doesn’t show how Tasmania has fared towards the end of the pandemic, Cr Reynolds predicted those figures would show some decline.

But she said the data showed Hobart’s night-time economy was doing well before the pandemic.

“Before the pandemic it was growing quite dramatically,” she said.

“Many people would know there was such a big change in the number of night time venues.

“The number of businesses was at an all-time high.”

Hobart Lord Mayor, Anna Reynolds. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Cr Reynolds said the report showed the night economy was thriving in many areas of Hobart.

“Places are popping up in a range of places around the city, there’s been growth on the waterfront, growth in the city, Midtown has really popped out in the last five years,” she said.

“There’s been growth in North Hobart and places like Sandy Bay where there wasn’t as many restaurants a few years ago.

“That’s really encouraging this sector of the economy is popping up in every neighbourhood.”

She said the data also showed how Hobart progressed a few months into the pandemic.

The report said the state experienced a 10 per cent decline in night time economy employment in the 2019-20 period, but that since then, food and accommodation services had grown faster than the national average.

“It did show a drop in turnover in the last quarter of 19/20, there was a ten per cent drop in turnover,” she said.

“It shows a number of businesses were pivoting to takeaways really well.”

Cr Reynolds hoped the data could provide an insight into how Hobart could continue to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.

“Having the research helps us track and understand what’s happening in the sector,” Cr Reynolds said.

“It paints a picture for the people of Hobart but also decision makers to understand this section of Hobart.”

“It’s not just a few bars and restaurants, this is a fundamental part of our economy.”