The NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms come into full effect from 1 July, further supporting the night-time economy and the music and cultural sectors – without compromising public safety.
The more complex of the reforms include grants for soundproofing venues as well as encouraging live music, while new regulations around noise complaints will also begin.
Twenty-one venues have been granted up to $100,000 for soundproofing, while fifty-six venues will receive up to $80,000 to boost the live performances they host.
Recipients of the $100,000 soundproofing grants include:
- Club 77, Darlinghurst
- The Bowlo Bangalow
- The Landsowne Hotel, Chippendale
- The Tamworth Hotel
- Lord Gladstone Hotel, Chippendale
John Graham, NSW Arts Minister said the aim of the soundproofing grants was to ensure a balance between the needs of neighbours and the late-night economy.
Recipients of the live music grants include:
- The Hollywood Hotel, Surry Hills
- Bondi Icebergs
- The Old Fitzroy Hotel, Woolloomooloo
- Elton Chong, Penrith
- Sunset Diner, Lane Cove
Live performance venues will have their trading hours extended, while measures have been put into place to prevent serial complainants or new residents from excessive complaints.
Today will also see commencement of reforms for hotels and registered clubs with gaming machines, in further measures to help reduce gambling harm.
All hotels and clubs with EGMs will be required to keep a gambling incident register, and those with more than 20 entitlements must have at least one Responsible Gambling Officer on duty when the machines are operating.
Dane Gorrel, director of soundproofing grant recipient Club 77 said the noise challenges have always been present due to the club’s location amongst high density housing, as well as due to the age of the building.
“Club 77 is set to expand our offerings. We’ve received a day liquor licence that allows us to trade literally 24/7. We wouldn’t have been able to do that previously because the noise from the club would have caused too much disruption for people around us,” he said.
Erin Arndell, bar manager for Elton Chong said the live performance grant will help the venue host live shows during the week.
“We have a lot of heavy metal bands playing here – and it’s so nice to have it here because there just aren’t a lot of venues out this way,” she said.
