Under proposed changes, some Syd liquor licences will cost 80% less. Have your say now

The City of Sydney is seeking feedback on a number of proposed changes that would be implemented as part of the 24-Hour Economy's plan to revitalise Sydney’s nightlife.

Last week, two separate consultations were opened to the public, inviting input from affected stakeholders on the planned special entertainment precincts and the proposed amendments to managing entertainment sound and trading hours.

“We all want a nightlife we can be proud of and that our global city deserves,” said Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney.

“On the back of lockouts and lockdowns and amidst increasing cost of living pressures, we need to ensure we are doing all we can to support this integral part of Sydney’s economic, social and cultural fabric.”

The current plans to establish special late-night trading areas will include extended trading for live music and performance, an 80% discount on liquor licence fees, and additional licensing hours for venues in special entertainment precincts.

According to Moore, “by designating existing late night trading areas instead of one or two streets, we have already proven these precincts can support this kind of activity. We’re hoping to apply the benefits to as many areas and businesses as possible while avoiding the safety and economic impacts of saturation.”

The City of Sydney is also welcoming feedback on the draft Entertainment Sound Management Development Control Plan discussion paper. The proposed changes in this plan offers better protection to existing venues by ensuring developers carry out acoustic testing and sound proofing measures in new residential developments nearby, and would make it easier for eligible entertainment venues to trade later with longer trials of extended opening hours.

“In response to the challenging hospitality environment and the NSW Government’s vibrancy reforms, we have proposed important changes to the way we manage entertainment sound,” said Moore.

“We need to ensure we’re getting this right, so we will be holding community and stakeholder forums and extending the exhibition period to ensure everyone has a chance to have their say.”

The public consultations follow on from the Office of the 24-Hour Economy rolling out grants of $20,000 to $80,000 to NSW hospitality businesses looking to install live performance equipment.

“Live music has always been an essential part of night time culture and while the bad old days of lockouts and lockdowns are well and truly behind us, we’ve got a job to do when it comes to amping things up across NSW,” said Michael Michael Rodrigues, NSW’s first 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.

Drinks Trade recently caught up with Michael Rodrigues following the relaunch of the Inner West Ale Trail via the Uptown District Acceleration Program.

“Our vision for the state’s 24-hour economy is to cement NSW as a world-class nightlife destination for visitors, locals and workers alike,” said Rodrigues.

“We are committed to supporting an environment for venues and artists to flourish, simplifying the regulation of entertainment sound, removing red tape for local councils to host special events and supporting outdoor activation through our Vibrancy Reforms.”

Moore added, “the City of Sydney is home to a diverse nightlife, with a long history of mixed and vibrant neighbourhoods. We will continue doing all we can to support the continued growth of our night-time economy while accommodating new housing in well-located areas.”

The two public consultations will be available up until 20 January. The consultation around the proposed special entertainment precincts can be accessed here, and the consultation around the proposed changes to sound and trading hours can be accessed here.