THE Australian Hotels Association (AHA) ACT says concessions must be allowed for new paid parking fees in Civic that will penalise Canberra’s licensed hospitality industry.

AHA ACT General Manager Brad Watts says that with rising labour and business costs, the licensed hospitality sector – especially the late-night economy involving bars, restaurants and nightclubs – will be slugged as people will be deterred from enjoying a night out in Civic.

Under the ACT Government’s new parking regime starting in September, drivers will pay until 10.30pm on weekdays and from 8.30am until 10.30pm on weekends to park in areas of the city.

“The ACT’s vibrant licensed hospitality sector is growing however the new after hours and weekend car parking charges will slam the brakes on Canberra’s night-time economy,” Brad said.

“The new paid parking regime will heavily impact patrons and hospitality businesses in Civic – we believe the ACT Government needs to be more flexible on this issue and grant concessions to drivers.

“To alleviate the problem, the AHA ACT says people should be given free parking until at least 10.30am the following day if they choose to leave their car overnight a paid parking area.

“The industry has always encouraged responsible alcohol behaviour and does not want to see people driving home to avoid paying a parking fine.

“If people have a valid parking ticket until 10.30pm in the city, and have also injected money into the hospitality sector, they should be given plenty of time to collect their vehicles the next morning without being slugged again.”

The AHA ACT will be presenting this policy position to the ACT Government along with pushing against ongoing discussions about imposing further alcohol regulation and restrictions on the industry as part of the Liquor Act review.

“We ultimately want to see a continued growth, employment and prosperity of ACT’s licensed hospitality sector without further regulations impacting on the industry.”