The NSW Government has proposed an overhaul of rules governing Sydney’s nightlife, including overturning a ban on people standing and drinking outside a pub.
Part of the bill would scrap a rule requiring people who live within 5km of an RSL to sign up as a member of the club to gain entry.
NSW Nighttime Economy Minister John Graham said he wants to see an end to regulations that have “tipped the balance against live music and community life” in time for summer.
Nightlife in NSW
In 2012, Kieran Loveridge fatally coward-punched 18-year-old Thomas Kelly on a night out in Sydney’s CBD.
In response, the then-Coalition Government rolled out “lockout laws” designed to curb violence at venues like nightclubs.
These laws were repealed in 2020 and 2021, however some COVID-19-related restrictions are still in place.
Overhaul
Since coming to power last March, the state Labor Government has introduced reforms to nightlife in the state.
Last year, it changed a rule that it said meant “single noise complaints [were] shutting down pubs”.
Now, five separate people from different households need to make a complaint before action is taken against a venue.
The Government also introduced rules to simplify outdoor dining approvals for restaurants and bars.
5km club rule
In NSW, prospective patrons of a local club or RSL must become members if they live within 5km of the venue.
Membership fees vary depending on clubs. Members are generally eligible for discounts and club benefits.
The State Government says the rule is “responsible for countless head-scratching moments and unexpected paperwork” for people wanting to have a one-off meal or drink, describing it as “antiquated”.
Other changes
Other proposed reforms announced today include scrapping a COVID-era ban on standing outside a pub while drinking alcohol.
“No entertainment” clauses would also be abolished under the bill. They enable local councils to restrict the number of musicians and the genre of music played at venues in their area, which has prevented venues from hosting gigs.
Premier Chris Minns called the clauses “ridiculous” and compared them to the “fun police”.
The Government is also expanding “special entertainment precincts” (SEPs), designed to avoid complaints from residents and businesses.
Anyone buying property within one of these areas would be required to acknowledge it will be busy at night with an “eyes wide open” clause.
One SEP has been trialled in Enmore, in Sydney’s inner-west, where the Government has said it’s been effective in reducing complaints from neighbours.
What now?
The Government has introduced the reforms to state Parliament. It will need support from the crossbench or the Opposition in the Upper House to pass them.
TDA approached Shadow Arts Minister Kevin Anderson, who said the Opposition was still being briefed on the details of the reforms.
It’s not yet clear whether the Coalition will back the reforms.