The extended trading hours in Sydney have been well-adopted by various venues, with 88 venues taking advantage of the new regulations since November. Of these venues, 18 are in the City of Sydney, 30 are in other parts of Sydney, and 40 are located in regional areas. Tucano’s, a tiki-style bar in Surry Hills, recently extended its trading hours from midnight until 2am to accommodate live music and entertainment events on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Co-owner Ben Hickey noted that the two-hour extension has been beneficial for their business, attracting more customers who would not have visited if the venue closed at 1am.
Despite the positive impact of the extended trading hours, economic conditions for venues in Sydney remain challenging. Hickey acknowledged that while there is support for new venues opening in the city, people are not going out as frequently and spending money differently. These changing consumer behaviors, coupled with factors like rising interest rates and cost of living, present ongoing challenges for venues in Sydney. However, there is optimism in the industry, with a sense that there is positive momentum and growth in the city’s night-time economy.
Improved relations between venues, law enforcement, and liquor authorities have also contributed to a more positive atmosphere in Sydney’s nightlife scene. Hickey noted that there has been a shift from an “us versus them” mentality to a more collaborative approach, with authorities actively supporting venues. This cooperative attitude has helped create a more vibrant and welcoming environment for businesses in the entertainment sector.
Various initiatives, such as special entertainment precincts, have been introduced to support and enhance Sydney’s live music and night-time economy. These precincts, which relax rules to encourage live music and outdoor dining, were initially developed by the previous Coalition government and expanded by Labor. Currently, the only operating special zone is located on Enmore Road, with plans to establish six more precincts, including Balmain, in Inner West Council’s area. Northern Beaches Council is also expected to consider expressing interest in establishing a special entertainment precinct at an upcoming meeting.
The overall direction for Sydney’s nightlife and entertainment industry appears to be positive, with a renewed focus on supporting live music and cultural events. While challenges remain, including changing consumer behaviors and economic conditions, there is a sense of optimism and growth in the city’s night-time economy. With ongoing support from authorities and a collaborative approach between venues and regulators, Sydney’s entertainment sector is poised for continued success and development in the future.
