The NSW Government has announced a new package of planning and licensing reforms aimed at expanding outdoor dining, rooftop bars, live music and pop-up entertainment venues across Sydney and regional NSW.
The changes, revealed this week to The Daily Telegraph, are designed to reduce approval requirements for hospitality and entertainment operators, particularly within Special Entertainment Precincts. Under the reforms, venues will be able to establish rooftop bars and temporary entertainment spaces in locations including town halls, commercial buildings and car parks.
The government said the reforms would also make it easier to convert vacant shops and offices into small licensed venues such as wine bars and restaurants. Clubs located on Crown Land, including RSLs, bowling clubs, surf clubs and golf clubs, will be able to introduce outdoor dining without requiring lengthy development applications.
NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said the reforms were intended to support the state’s night-time economy.
“As we rebuild the night-time economy we’re seeing a wave of special entertainment precincts being established across NSW,” Graham told the Daily Telegraph.
“This proposal will allow those communities to make those precincts even more exciting for patrons and venue operators.”
“After ending the lockout era, and cutting huge amounts of red tape for venue operators, we’re now going a step further by unlocking vibrancy for our clubs on crown land, and super charging our Special Entertainment Precincts.”
NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully said the changes would help businesses expand and create jobs.
“From today we’ve made it easier for hundreds of clubs right across the state to host outdoor dining, so people have more places where they can gather, relax and celebrate,” Scully said.
According to the government, 24 councils are currently planning new Special Entertainment Precincts across NSW. Several Sydney nightlife districts, including Chinatown, Burwood, Canley Heights and Canley Vale, have also joined the international Purple Flag accreditation program, which recognises entertainment areas considered safe and vibrant at night.
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