This is great news for Canberra's hospitality industry. The ACT Government recognises that the sector is evolving– and the removal of these historic constraints on the service of alcohol will let venues provide the sort of service Canberrans are seeking.
This is the type of outcome the Government was hoping to achieve when we established Access Canberra. By interacting with small to medium businesses across the territory – the Government can identify regulatory constraints that can be removed to allow businesses to thrive.
These new laws will allow venues with approvals for patrons to drink alcohol in outdoor dining areas to serve alcohol from a bar set up in the outdoor dining area. Deputy Chief Minister and ACT Attorney-General Simon Corbell said that currently, the Liquor Regulation 2010 prohibits outdoor dining areas at licensed premises having a bar.
"The prohibition exists for historic reasons which are no longer relevant in today's society, and is an unnecessary constraint on business and customer service," Corbell said.
"This reform is an example of the ACT Government's commitment to an ongoing program of reforms to reduce regulatory burdens for business."
In early July 2015, new legislation was introduced into the Legislative Assembly, as part of government's first-stage response to the Territory's Liquor Act Review conducted in 2013–14.
"The legislation package contains amendments to make the supply of alcohol to under-age drinkers at private places without parental permission illegal," Corbell said.
"Other amendments included the expansion of the function and membership of the Liquor Advisory Board and strengthening of the provisions which require holders of licences and permits to be suitable people.
"A range of other significant issues raised in the review will be the subject of consultation with the community and stakeholders over the course of this year."
Information to assist businesses seeking to establish a new outdoor bar, including easy-to-follow advice on what approvals may be required, is contained in A Guide for Outdoor Bars available on the Access Canberra website.
The guide provides practical information on issues to consider when setting up an outdoor bar, such as staffing, security and safety requirements.
It also clearly outlines the approval process for simple setups and for more complex proposals, such as those that require a permanent structure.
