最新糖心Vlog

Small bars and restaurants have revitalised Adelaide鈥檚 nightlife and boosted business in the CBD, created jobs and changed the culture of the city. According to a report by economists from the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide鈥檚 South 最新糖心Vlogn Centre for Economic Studies (SACES), more liberal licencing laws have revitalised the city鈥檚 nightlife.

In its report, Contribution of Small Venues to Economic Opportunity, the South 最新糖心Vlogn Centre for Economic Studies says the previous regulatory regime allowed existing operators in the hospitality industry to stifle competition to the detriment of job seekers and the State鈥檚 economy.

鈥淟egislation passed in 2013 has given entrepreneurs the opportunity to flourish by offering innovative dining and socialising options not previously available in Adelaide,鈥� says Associate Professor Michael O鈥橬eil, Executive Director, SACES at the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide.

鈥淭he large and continuously expanding number of small venues in the CBD confirms the growth of investment and start-ups in the sector. The new licence class has unleashed entrepreneurship in the city centre.

鈥淏ased on recent interviews with owner-managers of small venues, total employment in the sector is estimated at 1250 jobs for the 109 licences which have been granted since 2013.鈥�

The change to licencing legislation was aimed at altering the drinking culture and reducing the levels of violence in Adelaide. Introduced by the previous Labor Government the new licence allowed entrepreneurs to open a bar or restaurant with no more than 120 patrons, under restricted trading hours.

"The new licence class has unleashed entrepreneurship in the city centre."Associate Professor Michael O鈥橬eil

Owners of the new establishments did not need to prove a public 鈥榥eed鈥� for 鈥榰nique鈥� venues in a particular location. Applications to the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner were fast-tracked and their decisions could no longer be challenged in the courts, nor appealed against. Small venues also pay lower annual licence fees than larger hotels and restaurants.

鈥淭hree years after the introduction of the small venue licence, an Adelaide City Council study found that people felt safer in the new bars and restaurants,鈥� says Associate Professor O鈥橬eil.

鈥淧reviously under-used laneways such as Lindes Lane and Peel Street are now busy hubs of night life with more people choosing to meet and socialise in the city centre.

鈥淭he level of hostility, aggression and intoxication is perceived to be lower at small venues while cleanliness and overall atmosphere improved in places where small venues have flourished.

鈥淭he initiative has been a great success and has corrected a 鈥榤arket failure鈥� 鈥� an unmet demand from people who wanted to socialise in a non-gambling environment in more intimate places, and enjoy different eating and drinking experiences.鈥�

The review of the small venue licences is the first major project undertaken by SACES on behalf of the SACES Independent Research Fund, a collaborative venture between SACES, the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide and prominent members of the business community.