Allowing small bars and other licensed venues will allow Adelaide to diversify its offering to locals and visitors, creating business and employment opportunities, according to peak industry body, Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF).

TTF Chief Executive John Lee said small bars have proved a great success in Sydney in Melbourne.

“Small bars have undoubtedly played a crucial role in the development of Melbourne’s reputation for nightlife and helped attract visitors from around Australia,” Mr Lee said

“Sydney has followed suit in recent years and the burgeoning small bar sector has added significantly to the city’s night-time economy.

“Regulatory reforms like the ones introduced to the South Australian Parliament can do the same for Adelaide, leading to significant activation of the central business district.

“A new liquor licence category for small venues will open up Adelaide’s CBD and provide greater entertainment and venue options for visitors.

“Lowering the barriers to entry will facilitate investment by entrepreneurial South Australians looking to add to Adelaide’s cultural and entertainment offering.

“Small bars and cultural venues will facilitate additional visitor spending, in line with the objectives of the Tourism 2020 Industry Potential Target to double overnight visitor spending.

“They attract a different clientele from larger venues who may not otherwise visit the CBD because existing venues were not catering to their needs.

“They also complement large scale developments like the Adelaide Convention Centre expansion, Adelaide Oval upgrade and Riverbank precinct by adding another layer of tourism activity, as well as providing business and employment opportunities.

“Small bars also activate previously quiet parts of the city, potentially stimulating further investment.”