Hospitality is a cornerstone of community life, a major employer, and a key part of local economies. Yet our sector continues to face some significant challenges, from funding shortfalls to compliance burdens.
The decisions made by local government directly affect our sector’s ability to operate, grow, and contribute. That's why we've launched our Local Government Positions Document – a roadmap for how councils can partner with our sector to create thriving, vibrant communities. It’s designed so we can work together to inform candidates, engage decision-makers, and highlight clear priorities with
those candidates seeking your vote.
The Local Government Positions Document sets out hospitality’s key priorities for the next term of local councils, including:
- Alcohol policies and licensing: ensuring well-run venues are supported, not hindered, by local rules.
- Streamlining compliance and fees: reducing duplication, improving transparency, and cutting unnecessary red tape.
- Tourism funding: advocating for a fair, nationwide approach that gives regions stable revenue for visitor-related infrastructure and events.
- Night-time economy strategies: advocating for planning to unlock vibrancy, safety, and economic growth after dark.
- Fair regulation of short-term rental accommodation: creating a level playing field for all providers.
The candidates elected into councils across the country this October will have the opportunity to set the right parameters for businesses like yours to thrive, and continue to bring life to our towns and cities.
We’ll be engaging with candidates and councils throughout this period, and we encourage you to be part of those conversations too.