[HenryDavis]

I'm not sure about anyone else, but I find this so damn frustrating.

It's a Friday arvo and I just got a call from a friend about plans for tonight. The consensus was that we wanted to go chill somewhere, have a few beers but also a place with good atmosphere - that isn't a mission or hassle to get into.

Doesn't really seem like much of an ask right? Besides the frequent hot spots, there really isn't much choice besides either the Fortitude Valley [the Valley] or the city. And they really lose their appeal after awhile.

Anyway, I then stumble upon this Brisbane-times piece: "End of the 'aggressive hotspot?' Small bars are beautiful in Brisbane".

And I realise why finding a small bar in Brisbane is such a pain. Licensing!

The Queensland Government last year introduced a new 'small bars' license as part of a push to address alcohol-related social problems across the state.

Thus far, only a handful of these licenses have been awarded in Brisbane, many of them to existing premises.

In fact, in the eighteen months since license was introduced, there are only three new small bars across the city.
...

“If every suburb in Brisbane could have a tiny bar there, it would help the area flourish, making for healthier suburbs and a more interesting, more creative city,” he says. “People should be able to have a local that hasn't compromised on design or principle simply because it's in the suburbs.

“You shouldn't have to go into an aggressive hotspot.”

Emily Nunes of Gabba newcomer Canvas agrees, saying the city needs entertainment alternatives.

It continues... onto the problems. That being zoning laws. I can't help but imagine the possibilities, of what it would be like - could be like, without the licensing, zoning laws, taxation and don't even get me started on the taxi cartel.

[Redback]

Sounds like a takeaway might be the answer!!