NSW venues to open later for special events

Hotel and club trading times have been extended by the NSW Government for the Australian Open tennis men’s final, the Tamworth country music festival and AFC Asian Cup.

Minister for Racing Paul Toole said the later trading would enable patrons to gather and socialise at venues later at night for these special events.

“The extensions are part of the NSW Government’s support for major cultural and sports events that boost entertainment options and support local economies,” Toole said.

“Standard 10pm Sunday trading across NSW has been extended to midnight for the Australian Open men’s tennis final on January 27.

“As this is the Sunday of the Australia Day long weekend, it’s a great chance for tennis fans to head to their local hotel or club and watch all the action on the big screen with family and friends.”

Venues in the Tamworth local government area can open until midnight on Sunday, January 20, and Sunday, January 27, for the Tamworth country music festival.

“As many hotels, bars and clubs are hosting gigs as part of the festival, the extended trading means fans can enjoy their favourite performers later at night,” Toole said.

“The Tamworth country music festival is Australia’s largest music festival and will offer more than 2800 events featuring 700 artists from January 18 to 27.”

Toole said a range of statewide trading extensions have been approved for venues showing live telecasts of the Asian Football Confederation’s Asian Cup being held in the United Arab Emirates. The extensions will apply only for matches featuring the Socceroos.

The extended trading hours do not apply to take-away liquor sales. Venues already approved to trade during or beyond the extended hours can operate as usual. Hotels and clubs must still comply with any individual trading restrictions or other special conditions that apply to their licences under the Liquor Act.

Extended trading times

Sunday, January 20: 10pm to midnight - Tamworth Country Music Festival (for the Tamworth local government area only)

Tuesday, January 22: 12am to 5am - 2019 AFC Asian Cup - Round of 16 (Match 41) (only if the hotel or club premises provides a live broadcast of the match during the extended trading period)

Friday, January 25: 2.30am to 5am - 2019 AFC Asian Cup - Quarter Final (Match 46) (only if Australia is playing and the hotel or club premises provides a live broadcast of the match during the extended trading period)

Friday, January 25: 12am to 5am - 2019 AFC Asian Cup - Quarter Final (Match 45) (only if Australia is playing and the hotel or club premises provides a live broadcast of the match during the extended trading period)

Saturday, January 26: 2.30am to 5am - 2019 AFC Asian Cup - Quarter Final (Match 48) (only if Australia is playing and the hotel or club premises provides a live broadcast of the match during the extended trading period)

Saturday, January 26: 12am to 5am - 2019 AFC Asian Cup - Quarter Final (Match 47) (only if Australia is playing and the hotel or club premises provides a live broadcast of the match during the extended trading period)

Sunday, January 27: 10pm to midnight - Australian Open Men’s Final/Tamworth Country Music Festival

Tuesday, January 29: 12am to 5am - 2019 AFC Asian Cup - Semi Final (Match 49) (only if Australia is playing and the hotel or club premises provides a live broadcast of the match during the extended trading period)

Wednesday, January 30: 12am to 5am - 2019 AFC Asian Cup - Semi Final (Match 50) (only if Australia is playing and the hotel or club premises provides a live broadcast of the match during the extended trading period)

Saturday, February 2: 12am to 5am - 2019 AFC Asian Cup - Final (Match 51) (only if Australia is playing and the hotel or club premises provides a live broadcast of the match during the extended trading period)