Tasmanian hospitality businesses were told six months ago that red tape requiring a separate permit to serve alcohol in beer gardens was gone. It isn't.
In March, then Hospitality Minister Jane Howlett announced venues would no longer need separate approval to serve alcohol inside and in their beer gardens.
In June, the Government doubled down, saying red tape reductions were being delivered “right now”, including removing the need for on-licence venues to obtain an off permit.
But the law hasn't changed, the fee still exists and Treasury's current application form still tells venues they need an off permit for outdoor areas such as beer gardens.
At a time when hospitality businesses are under enormous pressure, they shouldn't have to chase the Government to find out whether its announcements are real.
Seven Hobart venues recently closed in a single week, while businesses are still waiting for promised action on red tape, the night-time economy policy and the live music rebate pilot Bridget Archer promised during her stint as Acting Premier.
Tasmania's hospitality industry creates jobs, supports tourism and makes our cities and towns better places to live. But venues are closing, workers are losing jobs and operators are questioning whether they can afford to keep their doors open.
After 13 years of waste, the Liberals need to stop announcing help and start delivering it. Empty promises don't pay the bills.
