NSW’s night-time economy set to get live music boost
Noise complaint restrictions and a bigger live music scene are key planks of the the NSW Government’s bid to revive the state’s night-time economy.
New noise complaint regulations are aimed at protecting venues from serial complainants.
“The old NSW sport of moving in next to a music venue and complaining until it gets shut down is now history,” Arts Minister John Graham said.
“That era is coming to an end.”
The minister announced the introduction of new noise complaint regulations on Sunday, which come into effect today, July 1.
A disturbance complaint will now take into account who first occupied the premises. Further to this, the number of people required to make a statutory complaint is increased from three to five and cannot be from the same household or business.
Complainants must attempt to resolve the issue before lodging a statutory complaint.
“These reforms recognise that if people move next door to a licensed premises, they should expect a certain level of noise will come from the operation of the venue,” Minister for Gaming David Harris said.
Complaints will now solely be the responsibility of Liquor & Gaming NSW.
The government is also helping venues with soundproofing and sound management, with 21 new and existing venues to receive up to $100,000.
“The soundproofing and venue support will mean venues can host more live music, whilst reducing the impact on their neighbours,” Graham said.
Another 56 venues will be given a grant of up to $80,000 to go towards essential equipment, programming and marketing costs to host more live gigs.
NSW has 795 venues that offer live music according to the recent State of the Scene report.
Small bars will also benefit by selling limited takeaway alcohol. Extended trading applications for hotels with live music have also been included in the changes.
“Bit by bit, we are rebuilding Sydney’s night-time economy, venue by venue, neighbourhood by neighbourhood,” Graham said.
NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said the changes will revitalise the nighttime economy.
“For the better part of a decade we had a regulatory system and operating environment in NSW that stymied live performance,” he said.
“It’s been a tough lesson to learn from, but from it, learn we must.”
The reforms are aimed at balancing community needs with the requirements of the state’s pubs, bars and restaurants.
Jonathan Jackson, 1st July 2024
