An ACT Government Minister has refused to say if it is safe to visit a popular Canberra shopping strip, amid asbestos concerns.

Last month, Ainslie pub Edgar's Inn closed for remediation works due to asbestos in the building's roof space, and has since reopened.

Planning Minister Mick Gentleman was questioned during a committee hearing in the ACT Legislative Assembly on the loose-fill asbestos.

When Liberal MLA Nicole Lawder asked whether it was safe to visit Ainslie shops, Mr Gentleman refused to say so.

"I've reiterated a number of times that there is no safe level [of asbestos], according to the experts," he said.

"The only option I think for Ainslie shops is to have it demolished."

Ms Lawder repeated her question to Mr Gentleman.

"So is that a yes or a no, is it safe to go to Ainslie shops?" she said.

"I think I've made my point very clear, it needs to be demolished," Mr Gentleman replied.

When asked for further clarification by Ms Lawder, Mr Gentleman did not respond.

"So that's a no?" she said.

Mr Gentleman moved his head, but did not speak.

The ABC sought clarification from Mr Gentleman's office.

Edgar's Inn closed for a number of weeks in October for remediation works to loose-fill asbestos in the building's roof space. ( ABC News: Mark Moore )

The response stands in contrast to clear statements from Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones, who said in September that the removal works should not alarm residents.

"From day one Ainslie Shops has been safe," he said.

"Worksafe has made sure that all of the operations occurring at those shops under an asbestos management plan have kept the tenants and the customers completely safe."

Minister's words 'affect people's mindsets'

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The owner of Edgar's Inn, Frank Condi, said he was perplexed at why Mr Gentleman would not say Ainslie is safe.

"I can't see why he would even hesitate," Mr Condi said.

"The shops themselves have not been under any risk of being unsafe."

Mr Condi said he was confused by Mr Gentleman's lack of clarity on the issue, and was concerned it could harm his business and others' in Ainslie.

"Mick Gentleman's got to realise we're a business," he said.

"Saying things like that actually affects people's mindset and affects my businesses."

Hours later, Mr Gentleman backtracked on the comments, tweeting to an ABC News journalist: