Pubs, clubs and bars will be able to trade later over summer thanks to special event extended trading hours and the NSW Government’s vibrancy reforms which extend the standard liquor trading period on Sundays for venues that apply.
Christmas Eve festivities will be able to carry on a little later at a number of licensed venues that were granted permission to stay open until midnight.
The Minns Labor Government’s vibrancy reforms extended standard Sunday trading hours to midnight for all venues, bringing Sunday in line with other days of the week.
The reforms also offer two hours extra trading for venues that host live music.
Patrons attending the Parkes Elvis Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival and those watching the Australian Open Men’s Final on 28 January will also enjoy special event extended trading hours at pubs, clubs and bars.
The vibrancy reforms broadened the types of venues which can be granted permission to remain open for longer with special event extended trading hours, including general bars, small bars and dedicated live music and performance venues.
The extended trading provides additional hours for those venues which have not yet applied for extended hours on a permanent basis.
Special events during summer for extended trading
| Event | Extension | Eligible licence types | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Eve | 10pm to midnight, Sunday 24 December 2023 |
| Nil |
| Parkes Elvis Festival | Midnight to 2am, Friday/Saturday 13-14 January 2024 |
| Must be in the Parkes Shire local government area |
| Parkes Elvis Festival | 10pm to 12am, Sunday 14 January 2024 |
| Must be in the Parkes Shire local government area |
| Tamworth Country Music Festival | Midnight to 2am, Friday/Saturday 26 and 27 January 2024 |
| Must be in the Tamworth Regional local government area |
| Tamworth Country Music Festival | 10pm to 12am, Sunday 21 and 28 January 2024 |
| Must be in the Tamworth Regional local government area |
| Australian Open Tennis Men’s final | 10pm to 12am, Sunday 28 January 2024 |
| Must provide a live broadcast of the match during the extended trading period |
The following additional conditions apply to this special event extended trading:
- Extended trading does not apply to takeaway alcohol trading times, and individual trading restrictions and other special conditions on a venue’s liquor licence remain in force.
- Venues already approved to trade during or beyond the extended hours can operate as usual. Special event extended trading overrides development consent trading hours.
- This extended trading does not authorise the use of electronic gaming machines during special event extended trading hours, if they wouldn’t have otherwise been authorised.
Acting Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy Jo Haylen said:
“It is going to be a fun summer whether you are in Sydney or regional NSW. Streamlining Sunday trading hours to the rest of the week is part of the Minns Labor Government’s agenda to bring back the vibrancy and give the businesses that help us get together to have the certainty they need to stay open.
“It’s great that venues in Parkes and Tamworth will be able to stay open later as those areas celebrate iconic music festivals.”
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
“Our commitment to building safer precincts and supporting access to more diverse services and entertainment will bring even more people out to enjoy what NSW has to offer at night.
“I look forward to seeing even more improvements in the hospitality sector, so people can celebrate and enjoy these special events more often.”
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