NSW Gov Cuts ‘Red Tape’ For Outdoor Entertainment, Expands Hours and Crowds

From this weekend, NSW’s live music, theatre, comedy, and other events can take to outdoor spaces in Sydney without a development application. The Minns government says the change could breathe new life into the state’s night-time economy.

The reforms, introduced through a new Cultural State Environmental Planning Policy, cut through layers of planning barriers, including drawn-out and costly approvals that have long frustrated venue owners and performers.

Now, as long as Sydney venues stick to a set of “simple rules”, they can freely take their events outdoor with no extra paperwork.

Reforms allow longer hours and bigger crowds for outdoor events in Sydney

Registered clubs and venues with outdoor dining can increase patron capacity by 15-20%, and welcome up to 30% in “special entertainment precincts”. Cafés, bookshops, and other unlicensed businesses can stay open until midnight during special events.

For local councils, the changes mean parks, town squares and even streets can serve as buzzing hubs for community festivals, markets, and performances.

Music and Night-time Economy Minister John Graham said the policy tackles a long-standing problem.

“Arduous, expensive planning approvals have been a stop sign to progress in NSW,” he said in a statement. “Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities on earth, but red tape has stopped venues from properly using their outdoor space. These changes will increase entertainment options and boost the bottom line for businesses.”

Sydney venues can host up to two outdoor events per week. Starting no earlier than midday, shows must finish by 8pm in residential zones, by 10pm in mixed-use areas, and midnight elsewhere. The government says the rules strike a balance between boosting vibrancy and maintaining community amenity.

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the policy goes beyond housing and transport priorities.

“Living in Sydney or regional NSW shouldn’t just be about a home and a job,” he said. “It’s got to be about having some fun along the way, enjoying time with family, friends and neighbours in a mix of settings.”

The changes follow a NSW Productivity Commission report that found duplicative planning approvals were stifling business activity. The Commission estimated streamlining the system could inject $8 billion into the night-time economy.

Regional NSW to boost “local food tourism” with expanded events

ClubsNSW welcomed the move, saying they will help clubs “activate outdoor spaces for community events”. On average, the state’s clubs already host about 15,000 free events each month, from music and comedy to cabaret and family shows.

“These reforms are an important recognition of the role clubs play in fostering entertainment, creativity and community spirit,” said ClubsNSW Chair Sallianne Faulkner.

Regional NSW will benefit too, with cellar doors and on-farm cafés now free to host food events and outdoor tastings, as a boost to “local food tourism,” and no red tape attached.

The reforms build on the government’s “vibrancy agenda”, which relaxed noise complaint rules, slashed licensing fees, and set up special entertainment precincts in Enmore, Byron Bay, and other hotspots.

Together, they aim to undo years of lockout laws and pandemic restrictions that drained Sydney’s nightlife.

For venues, performers, and punters, the changes could mean more nights spent outdoors, soaking up a live show, sharing a meal, or listening to music under the stars.