Business · Companies · 6 hrs ago
ACT review urges more support for Canberra's night-time businesses
An ACT Legislative Assembly committee made 28 recommendations to support Canberra's night-time economy in Canberra, Australia.
It found that construction work, including light rail and car park projects, has disrupted businesses and that existing relief has been insufficient.
Charcoal Restaurant owner Anna Gray said her turnover had fallen by 50 per cent since parts of London Circuit closed in 2024, and that customers were staying away because of limited parking.
Businesses also face a maze of government agencies and red tape; Fiction nightclub operator Josh Dotta said he routinely dealt with 10 separate agencies.
The committee recommended a night-time economy commissioner to consult businesses, track progress and help streamline rules, and called for a review of liquor licence fees.
The ACT government will decide whether to act on the recommendations, including whether to offer stronger temporary relief such as means-tested rent support.
A review of Canberra’s night-time economy has urged the ACT government to offer stronger relief to businesses affected by construction and appoint a dedicated night-time economy commissioner.
The ACT Legislative Assembly committee made 28 recommendations to improve the sector.
The committee found businesses faced insufficient relief from disruption and a “multi-agency maze” of government red tape.
Charcoal Restaurant owner Anna Gray said her turnover had fallen by 50 per cent since parts of London Circuit closed in 2024.
The report also recommended reviewing liquor licence fees, which the Australian Hotels Association said were significantly higher in the ACT than in other jurisdictions.
- Who
- The ACT Legislative Assembly committee reviewed the city’s night-time economy and made recommendations to the ACT government.
- What
- The committee urged stronger temporary support for businesses affected by construction, a night-time economy commissioner and a review of liquor licence fees.
- When
- The report was made public on Friday, October 16, 2026.
- Where
- Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory.
- Why
- Businesses reported construction disruption, reduced access to car parks and difficulty dealing with multiple government agencies.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Parts of London Circuit closed, and Charcoal Restaurant owner Anna Gray said her turnover had since fallen by 50 per cent.
The ACT Legislative Assembly committee’s report on Canberra’s night-time economy was made public.
- Recommendations
- 28
- Charcoal Restaurant turnover
- Down 50 per cent since parts of London Circuit closed in 2024
- Government agencies
- Fiction Nightclub operator Josh Dotta said he routinely dealt with 10 separate agencies.
- Liquor licence fee
- A 500-capacity venue open until 3am pays just over $22,000 a year in the ACT.
What people are saying
Customers don't want to come because there's no parking.
This will be a decision for government and so far I'm not convinced that they would be in a position to offer that kind of financial support.
Not stated