The NSW Government has granted seven more trading extensions to venues inside the Sydney lockout zone.
This brings the total number of venues inside the zone that can admit patrons until 2am and serve drinks to 3.30am to 20. The trading extensions are for live music venues and were part of the proposals handed down by the Callinan Review into the Sydney lockouts.
Minister for Racing Paul Toole welcomed the news saying, “I’m really pleased with the strong industry response to the NSW Government’s relaxation of liquor laws in Kings Cross and the CBD.”
He added: “Extended trading is a key part of our renewed focus on providing diverse night-time entertainment options, while balancing the need for community safety.
“The extended trading times are helping to boost Sydney’s nightlife and give musicians and other entertainers more opportunities to perform.”
The latest venues given trading exemptions are:
- Potts Point Hotel (formerly Sugar Mill) and Kings Cross Hotel in Kings Cross
- Establishment and Slip Inn in the CBD
- Burdekin Hotel, ARQ Sydney, The Cliff Dive and Kinselas in the Oxford St precinct.
Venues seeking extended trading are required to lodge submissions with Liquor & Gaming NSW and need to demonstrate a market orientation towards live entertainment. Liquor & Gaming NSW assesses each application and so far a small number of venues have had applications declined due to their compliance record.