NSW nightlife reforms: new precincts, relaxed rules, and 'eyes wide open' clause for residents

The NSW government is following through on its promise to protect pubs, clubs and restaurants and reinvigorate the state's nightlife.

As part of its vibrancy package being introduced to parliament today, residents who choose to live near a hospitality venue will be warned they are moving into a noisy area.

The reforms create Special Entertainment Precincts (SEPs) within local communities to support the growth of hospitality venues, live music, performances, and events.

An "eyes wide open" clause in a property's planning certificate will notify residents that they are moving into an area with late-night activity. The government hopes that by ensuring residents are aware of the environment before purchasing, they will be less likely to file complaints about nearby venues.

"We want this city to be exciting and vibrant and a place to attract young people to stay, and also to spend money and drive the night time economy," NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

"Not just local residents, but also those from around the world.

"That's not going to happen unless we can get rid of some of the antiquated rules that have been in place for a long time, which actively dis-incentivise pubs and clubs from operating.

"This is a recognition that in a city as big as Sydney, there are parts of this town that are used by people that don't just live in the immediate vicinity of that club, that pub, or that restaurant."

Night-time economy minister John Graham said the move would boost business and consumer confidence.

"We want to make sure that Sydney, New South Wales, is as good as it can be this summer," Graham said.

"These are common sense changes, but they make a real impact to people's lives."

The second wave of reforms will remove certain restrictions on licensed premises, including abolishing "no entertainment" clauses and rules that dictate what type of music can be played at venues. It will also lift restrictions on outdoor dining approvals that currently prevent patrons from drinking alcohol while standing outside.

Other changes include scrapping the rule that requires people living within 5 kilometres of a registered club to become a member before entering and amending the Major Events Act to make it easier to support events like Vivid Sydney.

These reforms follow an earlier round of measures that relaxed outdoor dining regulations, reduced liquor licensing fees for venues offering live music and performances, prevented single noise complaints from shutting down venues, and simplified the process for holding festivals and events on major streets.

Additionally, a $1 million state government grant program will help local councils establish Special Entertainment Precincts (SEPs).

The latest reforms build on the existing SEP framework, expanding beyond the Enmore Road SEP, which was first trialed in 2022 and made permanent after receiving community support.

Jonathan Jackson, 16^th October 2024