Campaign Launched To Contest Changes To Canberra Liquor Licensing Laws

A new campaign pushing against changes to Canberra's liquor licensing laws has been launched following government's plans to explore options of ways to curb alcohol-related violence, which includes a 3am drinking ban and an increase in licensing fees. 

Launched as Keep Canberra Open, in the spirit of Sydney's own anti-lockouts initiative, the new campaign is comprised of late night venue owners and operators. 

As ABC reports, a petition against the proposed changes has already been signed by nearly 5000 people in just two days. 

"The Keep Canberra Open campaign advocates for the protection of our vibrant music and late-night entertainment district," Keep Canberra Open member Ryan Sabet said.

"The proposed legislation changes are a lockout in disguise and they'll end the late-night industry...and they'll also destroy thousands of jobs.

Sabet believes violence is an issue for the wider community, not specifically alcohol drinkers. 

"We need to address the cultural glorification of violence, rather than saying people who listen to music late at night are somehow attached to violence," he said. 

Sabet added that Keep Canberra Open have tried getting in contact with the government, but there has been very little communication. 

"We've had correspondence through the process of putting submissions in during the stake holder process," Sabet said.

"We put submissions in... highlighting these issues and these concerns, but every time another paper comes out and further it gets closer to the legislation it just was clear that none of our points were being considered."

Check out the Keep Canberra Open Facebook page.