Tarzia pitches ‘night time economy’ fix as Adelaide’s bars battle rising closures
Adelaide’s after–dark scene could be in for a shake–up, with the state Liberals rolling out a plan to back hospitality operators as bankruptcy rates climb.
With insolvencies among local venues having more than doubled in the past three years, the Opposition wants to create an Office for the Night Time Economy as part of its pitch to voters ahead of the South Australian election in early 2026.
Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia is set to unveil the idea at the Australian Hotels Association state president’s Christmas lunch, outlining a vision to keep the city and suburbs buzzing well into the night through a more coordinated calendar of events.
Under the proposal, the new Office would sit under a dedicated Hospitality Minister and be tasked with championing the night time economy – working with pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants and other operators to promote, advocate for and help shape policy for after–dark trade.
Tarzia, who is aiming to unseat Premier Peter Malinauskas at next March’s state poll, says he wants an immediate crackdown on the red tape tying venues in knots.
“In recent years we’ve seen South Australian hospitality businesses close almost weekly and ASIC data shows the number going broke over the past three years has more than doubled,” Tarzia said.
“Reducing red tape and bringing down the cost of doing business are key to helping our hospitality sector thrive all year round, and to be sustainable no matter what events are in town.
“The Office will focus on doing just that, with an immediate review that would look at ways to streamline paperwork, such as a one-stop hospitality portal and small venue licensing reforms.”
The new body would be headed by a commissioner and supported by several staff, with an annual price tag of about one point seven million dollars.
As well as policy work, the Liberals say the Office would be responsible for helping build a more consistent year–round events calendar, backed by a data platform that tracks economic performance so programs can be tested against real numbers rather than gut feel.
The push comes after a long–running debate over who should drive Adelaide’s night life revival. In October last year, Lord Mayor Jane Lomax–Smith knocked back industry calls for a dedicated “night mayor”, arguing that local venues were dealing with challenges similar to those in other cities – from pandemic hangovers and higher alcohol excise to staff shortages.
Venue owners, however, have been vocal about wanting someone in their corner specifically focused on night life. Wolf Nightlife Group owner Antony Tropeano has been one of those calling for a dedicated champion.
“Having a night commissioner at the state government level or night mayor at the city council level could be a great opportunity to bring new energy and innovation to Adelaide’s entertainment and night-life precinct,” Tropeano said.
Jonathan Jackson, 2nd December 2025
