ANDREW Barr says a Labor Government will encourage a more diverse night economy and make sure Canberra remains a safe place to go out.

“ACT Labor will provide extra police for night-time patrols, provide one month free rent for outdoor dining venues, and cut red tape for smaller, low-risk venues,” Andrew said.

“Canberrans should be free to enjoy themselves whichever way they choose, whether that’s out for a night on the town, or in their own homes. Canberrans deserve the widest range of entertainment options, and to know they can enjoy those options safely.

“ACT Labor will provide six extra police for patrols through areas of highest night time activity. These patrols will make sure Canberrans are safe when they’re leaving venues, and that public space remains safe, regardless of the time of day.

“We will provide one month’s free rental of public space for outdoor dining every year, cutting costs for existing businesses and giving restaurants and bars a chance to try new spaces for free.

“ACT Labor knows the best night time economies have a wide range of venues, and that smaller, safer venues can struggle to compete with larger ones in the late night economy. That’s why we will cut liquor licence fees for every low-risk venue which closes by midnight, and for small venues which close by 2am.

“Lockouts will not give Canberrans the safe, diverse nightlife they deserve. Early closing times, lock outs and violence only stifle the diversity of night entertainment options.

“The Government’s 2010 liquor reforms, including extra police patrols at night, have seen late night incidents fall significantly.

“ACT Labor is committed to making sensible reforms that tackle binge-drinking, pre-loading and anti-social behaviour without putting our night time industry at risk.

“Labor knows that the majority of people who buy alcohol, whether that be for consumption at home or in a licensed venue, do so responsibly and with consideration of other patrons. But for the small minority who binge drink and try to cause trouble, extra police will reduce the risk of them causing annoyance and harm to others.

“ACT Labor’s reforms will cut red tape for smaller, low-risk venues and tackle binge-drinking, pre-loading and anti-social behaviour.”