Liquor & Gaming NSW has granted extended trading hours to licensed venues in towns where designated special events are taking place this summer. Additionally, the types of venues eligible for the extensions has also been extended to also include licensed restaurants and certain producers/wholesalers, along with hotels, clubs, bars, and dedicated live music and performance venues.
For the first time, venues nearby to thirteen regional events - including the Thredbo Blues Festival, Illawarra Folk Festival, and the Coffs Harbour Big Bash League match - will be able to stay open later while the events take place.
“The main aim of special event extended trading in our regions is to support vibrancy within local communities and enable businesses to take advantage when these events come to town,” said David Harris, Minister for Gaming and Racing.
“The NSW Government also wants to provide more options for people attending events - whether it’s the Parkes Elvis Festival, Ballina Cup or Love Lanes Festival in Wyong.”
John Graham, Minister for the Night-time Economy, said the changes reflected NSW Government’s “key election commitments to restore vibrancy in NSW” and have successfully helped to “revitalise our hospitality, live music, entertainment and cultural sectors.
“Under the second package of reforms made through the 24-Hour Economy Legislation Amendment (Vibrancy Reforms) Act 2024, the types of eligible venues able to participate in special event extended trading have been expanded,” he continued.
“The eligible licences were previously limited to hotels, clubs, bars and live music and performance venues but now includes venues such as licensed restaurants and breweries.”
The changes to the extended trading hours of venues nearby to special events forms part of an ongoing series of reforms introduced as part of the second Vibracy Reforms package, which commenced at the end of October.
Drinks Trade asked NSW’s first 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues about the expansion of the Uptown, Live Performance Venue, and Purple Flag program’s into regional areas.
“We know that we cannot replicate what we have achieved in Sydney across regional areas; however, we look forward to tailoring these programs to reflect the unique and vibrant communities across our state through enabling them to highlight their stories, diversifying their offerings and uplifting their economic, creative and tourism potential,” Rodrigues told Drinks Trade.
“These programs are designed to enhance and uplift the unique stories of the fantastic going-out precincts NSW has to offer.”
The special events that have been granted extended trading hours over January and February 2025 are as follows:
- BBL – Sydney Sixers v. Brisbane Heat, Coffs Harbour
- Parkes Elvis Festival
- Ballina Cup
- Illawarra Folk Festival
- Tamworth Country Music Festival
- Thredbo Blues Festival
- Bathurst 12-Hour
- Tenterfield Show
- Glen Innes Show
- Australian Open finals (statewide)
- Riverboats Music Festival, Echuca (extended trading for border town in Moama, NSW)
- Love Lanes Festival, Wyong
- Mardi Gras – Ultraviolet
“What better way to make the most of the summer vibes than a drink and a meal at your local after one of these fantastic community events,” said David Harris.
“Eligible venues intending to take advantage of the extended trading hours must ensure they continue to adhere to Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements and have appropriate measures in place to ensure the safety of their patrons.”
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