Under the latest round of the Minns Labor Government vibrancy reforms, it will be easier for New South Wales clubs to use their outdoor spaces and host live entertainment for their community events.
The Vibrancy Reforms are an initiative to improve the night-time economy through legislative and policy change, with the 24-Hour Economy Legislation Amendment (Vibrancy Reforms) Act 2024 being passed in October last year.
Since then, changes have been coming into effect such as expanding eligibility for extended trading hours for special events and removing the mandatory 5km radius rule for club membership, as well as the establishment of a more equitable system of noise complaint management.
Now the ‘standard condition’ that patrons be seated when consuming liquor outdoors has been removed, allowing a capacity increase of up to thirty per cent.
The new Cultural State Environmental Planning Policy will allow up to one hundred further patrons in Special Entertainment Precinct venues that have balconies, courtyards or beer gardens, without needing to apply for a development application.
For venues outside these precincts, up to fifty further patrons will be allowed, providing the change still meets the venue’s safety requirements.
Each month, NSW clubs host an average of 15,000 free events, playing a vital role in their communities.
These changes allow clubs a greater flexibility to use outdoor spaces and host live acts.
Night Time Industries Association CEO Mick Gibb said the changes will help kickstart venues after a difficult winter, coming in time for summer crowds.
ClubsNSW Chair Sallianne Faulkner said the reforms recognise the importance of the role clubs play in the community.
“We are grateful to the NSW Government for their commitment to supporting vibrant community experiences and we look forward to working more closely with them to further strengthen the industry’s contribution to local communities and to ensure that clubs remain hubs of entertainment, inclusion and creativity.”
