The NSW Government has extended hotel and club trading hours across the state for the NRL Grand Final this Sunday night, October 6.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said grand final weekend was one of the biggest sporting events on the calendar.
“It’s a huge day for our venues and a boost to our state’s economy, so the NSW Government is pleased to extend licensed venue trading hours this Sunday from 10pm to midnight,” Lee said.
“It’s Sydney Roosters verses Canberra Raiders for the NRL’s top prize – so we’re expecting thousands of Raiders supporters to head north to Homebush to watch all the action live.”
Lee said the later trading will benefit rugby league fans who want to head down to their local hotel or club to watch all the action on the big screen with friends and family.
“Without a mass exodus from venues at 10pm, it will be easier for people to get home,” Lee said.
“It’s also a great chance for people to get out and socialise and enjoy entertainment in hotels and clubs on the Sunday night of the long weekend.”
The extended trading hours apply only to drinks sold on premises, not takeaway alcohol. Venues already approved to trade beyond extended hours are not affected by these special arrangements.
Hotels and clubs must still comply with any individual trading restrictions or other special conditions that apply to their licenses under the Liquor Act or imposed by local councils under planning laws.
Aussies predicted to spend $167.5million on Grand Final weekend
It's predicted AFL and NRL will be splashing out on stay-at home celebrations, while others will flood bars, pubs and clubs.
New statistics from National Australia Bank forecast Australians will spend more than $180.7 million on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
This is up from $167.5 million last year — an increase of 7%.
NAB’s executive general manager of transactional banking Andy Kerr urged fans to plan ahead before hitting the supermarkets and liquor stores for supplies, while publicans and club owners are expecting an influx of footy-mad fans.
“The busy peak period will be between 4pm and 6pm on Friday and also Saturday morning in the run up to the kick off for the grand final,” he told News Corp.
“If you are looking to do any shopping and you can plan around shopping early I would get in before 4pm on Friday otherwise leave it until after the Grand Final to do the weekly shop.”
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