The global sporting calendar is presenting a number of key events in the coming months and venues across New South Wales can enjoy extended trading hours as a result.
The NSW Government will allow pubs to trade later if they are showing events such as ICC Cricket World Cup, FIFA Women’s World Cup, State of Origin and NRL Grand Final. The changes do not override the existing lockout laws.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the changes support a vibrant nightlife and help create jobs and tourism opportunities.
“There is a pipeline of world-class events starting soon, and the later trading will encourage friends and families to visit their local pub or club and catch all the action on the big screen,” Dominello said.
“Given many of these events are in Europe on a different time zone, it makes sense to extend trading hours to accommodate fans.
“Whether you are barracking for the Blues in the State of Origin or cheering on the Matildas in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, these changes promote a vibrant nightlife.”
Hotels and clubs in the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross areas will be able to trade until 11pm (instead of 10pm) on the three Sundays during Vivid – 26 May and 2 and 9 June. Standard 10pm Sunday trading has been extended to midnight across NSW for State of Origin Game Two in Perth on 23 June and the NRL Grand Final on 6 October.
A range of statewide extensions have been approved for the ICC Cricket World Cup in the UK and the Women’s FIFA World Cup in France for venues showing live broadcasts.
Liquor & Gaming NSW said the extended trading hours do not apply to takeaway alcohol sales and venues already approved to trade during or beyond the extended hours can operate as usual.
Also hotels and clubs must still comply with any individual trading restrictions or other special conditions that apply to their licences under the Liquor Act.