Image: Representative image. Photo: Pixabay
Outdated restrictions, like a ban on standing and sipping a beer outside a pub, are on their way out as the NSW government pushes to cut red tape and breathe new life into the state’s nightlife.
“For too long Sydney’s nightlife has been strangled by red tape,” NSW Premier Chris Minns announced in a press statement. “We’re fixing this by removing the restrictions, destroying entertainment venues, tackling the housing crisis head-on, and helping the city get back on its feet”
“Having an economy that fires up at 5 pm during the week is critical for global cities like Sydney,” added the Premier.
‘Ban Has No Place In 2024’
The current rule that patrons must be seated while consuming alcohol outdoors was introduced during the COVID pandemic, as part of regulations to promote outdoor dining. However, after the lifting of pandemic-era restrictions, the rules were panned for being a hindrance to the hospitality sector. Around 145 licensed venues, that includes 60 pubs, clubs, and small bars, are currently affected by the ban, which is now being scrapped.
The changes to the Liquor Act will mean that licensed venues will have to meet safety and compliance standards but will no longer be saddled with a blanket condition that stipulates patrons must sit down to consume alcohol in outdoor areas. The venues will have to
According to John Graham, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, the blanket ban had no place in 2024. “Adults should be trusted to choose whether they stand or sit while having a drink,” Graham said, reiterating that the government was “getting the social scene back on its feet in Sydney and right across NSW.”
NSW’s Nightlife Vibrancy Reforms
The lifting of the ban on standing and drinking outside licensed venues will form part of phase two of the government’s Vibrancy Reforms.
The first phase saw changes to regulations. These included:
- Permanent Outdoor Dining Provisions: The temporary measures allowing outdoor dining were made permanent, providing venues with greater flexibility.
- Noise Complaint Reforms: Signalling a balanced approach to noise management, the government ended the practice of single neighbour noise complaints that could shut down local pubs and licensed venues.
- Streamlined Event Approvals: The Open Streets program was introduced to facilitate easier activation of streets for festivals and events.
- Expanded Special Entertainment Precincts: Local councils were empowered to modify noise and opening hour regulations in designated areas to support live entertainment and nightlife.
- Incentives for Live Music: Venues offering live music were offered extended trading hours and significant reductions in liquor licence fees.
- Easier Pathways for Major Events: New rules simplified the process for extending trading hours during significant events such as the Olympics and World Cups.
“Our government is making a stand to elevate NSW back to its rightful place as no.1 for having a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive night-time economy,” said Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris. “We’ll get there with common-sense regulations that support businesses and communities to enliven our city.”
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