The NSW government has introduced its Vibrancy Reforms Bill to Parliament, to deliver the third tranche of initiatives aimed at boosting nightlife.
The latest stage introduces a range of proposed measures that are designed to make it easier for venues to host live music and cultural events. They are also expected to improve safety for patrons and staff, and cut unnecessary red tape that impacts late night business activity.
It builds on the NSW Government’s ongoing commitments to the 24-hour economy, by creating more opportunities for live music and inclusive nightlife. New legislation, including a change to the Liquor Act relating to the treatment of intoxicated patrons, will assist with this.
Currently, venues must immediately remove intoxicated patrons to maintain a safe and responsible service of alcohol. Venues have reported this can have the unintended consequence of pushing vulnerable people onto the streets, increasing the risk of violence, sexual assault, and getting hit by a vehicle.
Under the changes, venues can keep an intoxicated patron on the premises and actively monitor them while transport or medical assistance arrives, rather than requiring them to leave immediately.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham says the measures are a practical step because often the most dangerous place an intoxicated person can be is out on the street late at night.
“There’s no vibrancy without safety. So as we increase vibrancy it’s imperative we also improve safety and this measure will protect people when they’re at their most vulnerable,” says Graham.
Other measures in the third tranche of vibrancy reforms include:
- Making extended trading hours incentives more accessible for regional venues.
- Streamlining the process for venues to have outdated license conditions removed, so they can more easily program live music and entertainment.
- Encouraging the “weekend away” and supporting tourism by allowing special event extended trading for up to 24 hours prior to an event.
- Diversifying night-time offerings by allowing venues that provide entertainment such as pool tables, jukeboxes, and amusement machines to apply for an on-premises liquor licence.
The government has implemented various changes relating to the Vibrancy Reform Bill since 2023. These are aiming to cut red tape that has tipped the balance against live music and community life, in favour of neighbour complaints designed to turn the dial down on culture and entertainment.
Further information will be available over the following weeks. Read more about the changes implemented over the past two years on the L&GNSW website.
For exclusive hospitality news every Tuesday and Thursday, subscribe here or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Maia Hart
