NSW Government reforms bring late night economy back to life

The NSW Government says that the night-time economy is thriving, with close to 200 live performance venues now able to play later and for longer since the reforms were introduced two years ago.

As part of the reforms, venues in 50 local government areas were offered an hour long trading extension and NSW's first Special Entertainment Precinct was established on Enmore Road.

Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said, “Some of the changes include fast-tracking approvals by removing red tape, trialling the State’s first special entertainment precinct and extending initiatives like alfresco dining - these reforms have marked a significant turning point to our late night offerings.”

Odd Culture Group (pictured above: Sabrina Medcalf, Nick Zavadszky, James Thorpe 24 Hour Economy Commissioner, Michael Rodrigues) has been granted the first seven day, 4.00am licence by the City of Sydney Council in a century for its new 400 sqm basement bar to open in Newtown in the coming months.

James Thorpe, CEO of Odd Culture Group, said: “This is the first 4.00am licence given to a bar in the area for over 100 years and is a huge win in our efforts to diversify Sydney’s late night entertainment offering.

"We want this venue to be a milestone on our city's way to becoming a true 24-hour cultural destination, a place where you can come 7 days a week at all hours and experience something special.”

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said the reforms have changed the game, helping night-time industries build a vibrant, safe and sustainable offering.

“It is fantastic to see so many festivals, venues and artists taking advantage of the reforms which are supporting a resurgence of live performances across our State,” Mr Rodrigues said.

Rodrigues says that the CBD is making a comeback and still evolving but in a "different form to before the pandemic".

He said: "Work patterns have changed, and the city has had to adjust to that, as most global cities have had to do...The CBD is being revitalised by night time and weekend patronage. The data shows that visitor numbers in the late evening and early hours of the morning is at 116% of pre-pandemic levels within the CBD."

Lorraine Lock is the manager of Eastside Sydney - a collaboration between the business chambers of Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Potts Point - and has just wrapped up Eastside Unlocked Festival which put more than 60 performers in 35 venues across the inner East.

She said: “We really welcome the reforms and applaud both the City of Sydney and NSW Government in their approach to helping venues. Across Eastside Sydney, we’ve taken advantage of the grants and innovative ideas on offer to help venues of all sizes.

"Our recent Eastside Unlocked Festival in October - and I know from the feedback that it was much appreciated by venues, performers and patrons alike…”

“Going out in Sydney doesn’t have to be all about a drinking culture and when we curate an interesting mix for venues, the crowds follow….”

Lock says that al fresco dining has been a game changer and helping venues to stay open later is the next step in creating a late night experience and culture for Sydney.

Other initiatives from the NSW Government include:

• an 80 per cent reduction in annual fees for venues staging live performances.
• A one-stop-shop Hospitality Concierge service dedicated to help businesses navigate planning approvals and liquor licensing applications.
• Lifting the maximum patron capacity for small bars from 100 to 120 and enabling small bars to provide more diverse and family-oriented services.
• Making it easier for eligible small bars to start trading as soon as they lodge their liquor licence application online.