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Australian Cities Show Higher Share of Early-Opening Cafes Than London or Dubai
University of Melbourne analysis found 32 percent of Brisbane and Perth food venues open by 7 a.m., compared with 9 percent in London and Dubai. Spending between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. matches evening totals but shifts toward retail. Researchers and business groups say better data could help cities expand morning trading.
May 24, 3:40 PM·1m read1 source
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University of Melbourne research fellow Anna Edwards examined opening times at 7,830 food and drink businesses across 20 precincts. m. m. m. in Downtown Dubai and London's Soho district. Brisbane and Perth also recorded the highest early activity among major Australian cities. , compared with 19 percent in Sydney, 16 percent in Melbourne, and 15 percent in Canberra and Hobart.
M. m. m. and midnight, Edwards found. Morning purchases concentrate on retail and dining, whereas evening spending focuses on restaurants. Edwards said Australians rank among the world's earliest risers and that this pattern appears in cafe and service hours. She added that Perth's time difference with the east coast and Brisbane's climate may contribute to earlier starts.
M. and described the morning period as an economic opportunity. He said tourists react strongly to the activity and that investment in outdoor spaces could increase. Business Chamber Queensland chief executive Heidi Cooper said Brisbane businesses are adjusting models to capture demand at different hours ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
She noted rising costs and falling productivity as ongoing constraints. Edwards said improved data on time-of-day activity would help identify barriers, such as liquor-licence rules that complicate early openings, and support both commercial growth and social connections.
