Adelaide would be switched on after dark by a series of events to support the hospitality industry, under a Liberal election plan.

Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia will on Tuesday use the influential Australian Hotels Association state president’s Christmas lunch to announce his bid to ignite night-life across the metropolitan area, with an Office for the Night Time Economy.

This would report directly to a Hospitality Minister, charged with working with industry to promote, advocate, develop and deliver policies to support after-dark events.

Mr Tarzia, who is seeking to oust Premier Peter Malinauskas at next March’s state election, said he would order an urgent review of red tape and regulation holding back the hospitality industry.

“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,” Mr 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 Office would have a commissioner and “a number” of staff, costing $1.7m annually.

The Liberals say it would aim for consistent events across the year, with measures including a data platform to monitor economic activity to ensure programs were evidence-based.

Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith in October last year ruled out hospitality industry calls for a night economy mayor, saying venue operators were facing similar issues to counterparts across the country.

These included the impact of Covid shutdowns, increases in alcohol excise and difficulty finding staff.

But Wolf Nightlife Group owner Antony Tropeano was among numerous operators wanting a night commissioner to generate more activity.

“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,” he said at the time.

SA state election 2026: Vincent Tarzia unveils Office for the Night Time Economy to help reignite Adelaide’s nightlife