The NSW State Government has announced the removal of an antiquated rule preventing people who live within five kilometres of a Club from signing in without first becoming a member. The change in policy will be introduced to Parliament next month in the first round of the 24 Hour Economy Amendment - aka the Vibrancy Reforms - which was introduced towards the end of last year.

According to John Graham, Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy, “scrapping the 5km rule is just the start of our next round of reforms to reboot the nightlife and vibrancy of the state which are all about boosting the night-time economy, treating adults like adults and stripping back redundant red tape.”

Rebecca Riant, CEO of ClubsNSW, added: “We have long advocated for this change, so this is a fantastic outcome for our industry… It’s about providing clubs with the choice, and for many clubs - particularly golf and sailing clubs who have social membership caps - this will make a huge difference.”

Under current legislation, residents living within 5km of their local club must sign up as a member, demonstrate membership of a similar club elsewhere, or attend as the guest of an existing member.

“This proposed change will free people up to visit their local club without the obligation and cost to sign up as a member,” said David Harris, Minister for Gaming and Racing.

“Of course, clubs will still attract members like they always have, with the benefits of belonging to a club, but this change will mean locals can visit and enjoy a meal, a drink and maybe a gig, without having to join.”

John Graham echoed a similar point of view.

“Red tape that gets in the way of people in NSW enjoying themselves for no discernible benefit will continue to go into the shredder under the Minns Labor Government,” he said.

“It has been an unwanted rite of passage for so many to be stuck in bureaucratic limbo over membership at the entry to a Club when all you want to do is go inside for a drink and a meal.”

All Clubs impacted by the change will still be able to attract new members with member-only incentives, such as access to facilities and discounted offers.

The removal of the 5km rule will be introduced to Parliament next month along with the following six reforms::

  • Permanently relaxed the rules for outdoor dining, allowing venues to make the most of their outdoor space
  • Ended single noise complaints from shutting down pubs and other licensed venues
  • Made it easier to activate streets for festivals and events (Open Streets program) and a regulatory model that allows streamlined approvals for repeat events (Permit, Plug, Play)
  • Expanded Special Entertainment Precincts that empower local councils to change the rules around noise and opening hours in a designated area to support live entertainment and nightlife
  • Increased incentives for live music and live performance, with two hours extended trading and an 80% reduction in liquor licence fees for licensed venues offering live music and performance
  • Created easier pathways for extended trading hours for major events like the Olympics and World Cups.

According to David Harris, “our reforms are about streamlining processes so businesses can focus on delivering a great experience for their patrons, while giving people greater access to venues in their local community.”

In conclusion, Rebecca Riant added, “we thank Minister Graham and Minister Harris for their support, and we look forward to working with the NSW Government on future vibrancy reforms,” said Rebecca Riant.

The reforms form part of a larger campaign by the NSW Office of the 24-Hour Economy, which was established in 2021 shortly after the last lockout laws were lifted.

“We are refreshing the 24-Hour Economy Strategy, and will be expanding the reach of our remit outside of Greater Sydney,” said Michael Rodrigues, NSW's first ever 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.

“Since the pandemic, we have seen the clear signs of recovery in the night-time economy, with the number of core night-time economy businesses continuing to grow, and sales and revenue from these, back to above pre-pandemic levels. We are also seeing a diversification of our night-time economy in terms of both offering and geography. Non-alcohol driven night-time experiences, from Vivid in the Sydney CBD to Ramadan Nights in Lakemba, are catering to the demands of an increasingly diverse audience.”

Last year, one of the focuses of the NSW Office of the 24-Hour Economy was boosting nightlife economies in regional areas such as Illawarra.

“There is no doubt that a thriving nightlife can have great benefits to the local economy,” said Rodrigues.

“It doesn’t mean the Illawarra-Shoalhaven will have to become a 24-hour environment, but it’s worth looking at how we can maximise its social, cultural, and economic assets at night.”

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