23 Feb, 2015

National Report Shows Continued Growth In Adelaide's Night Time Economy

People enjoying a night out in the City of Adelaide have signalled their support for local food and entertainment businesses according to a report from the National Local Government Drug and Alcohol Advisory Committee.

Lord Mayor of the City of Adelaide and this year’s Chair of the Council for Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM), Martin Haese said the latest Australian Night Time Economy (NTE) Report shows solid growth in food businesses and sales revenues across the City of Adelaide.

“What’s pleasing about Adelaide’s results in this report is the consistent growth in the night time economy over the five year reporting period which has seen sales revenues for participating businesses up by 7.1% or $67 million.

“Over the term of the report we’ve seen a 5.5% growth in food businesses and their sales revenues have increased by 11% which is a trend consistent with other capital cities,” he said.

“While the number of businesses operating in the entertainment and drink sectors hasn’t grown, entertainment businesses have seen a 13% increase in sales revenues and an encouraging 7% increase in the number of people employed in their sector to service the night time economy.

Adelaide’s NTE businesses account for 5.1% of all business operating in the City of Adelaide. To help this grow City of Adelaide, in partnership with the State, recently released the Good Evening, Adelaide Strategy which is designed to guide the city’s offering after 5pm.

“We want to grow the participants in the night time economy and strategies like Good Evening, Adelaide are designed to help us do that,” Martin said.

“Actions in the strategy are aimed at making it easier for people to see what’s on offer in the city throughout the evening, as well as support new and existing businesses to operate at this time.

“Council has to be an enabler for businesses - big or small, new or existing - rather than a barrier, which is a key focus of our new Council,” he said.

Across the country, the NTE sales revenues have jumped by more than 13% in the reporting period, up from $90 billion in 2009 to $102 billion in 2013.

Mr Haese said the national results are a great achievement and indicates the value of the night time economy as an economic driver for Australia.

While acknowledging the debate taking place on public health and safety aspects of night time activities, Mr Haese said the report underlined the positive impact night time activity makes to the national economy.

“The NTE is providing a revenue stream and employment opportunities which, when supported by an appropriate operating environment, encourages the creation of businesses which develop and flourish.

“The report validates the importance of work being done by local government to deliver balance in providing vibrant and safe environments, to be enjoyed and participated in by all members of our communities and visitors,” he said.

The National Local Government Drug and Alcohol Committee is a committee of the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors. The report measures over three categories (food, entertainment and drink led) for participant cities and has been commissioned by the Council for Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM).

The report is available at www.lordmayors.org

David Hill