Venues on the Central Coast including Link and Pin, Drifters Wharf, the Fun Haus Factory, Pocket Bar and the Beachcomber Hotel are among more than 108 across the state that have signed up for extended trading hours to host live music since the 2023 election.
In March 2023, there were only 133 licensed live music venues claiming incentives from the NSW Government for extended trading hours to host live music.
The latest data from Liquor and Gaming NSW shows that today there are 245 – an 84 per cent increase in a year.
The first round of the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms, which passed Parliament in November, provide direct support to venue operators to launch and grow local music, with a cost relief focus that includes an 80 per cent reduction in the annual liquor licence fee.
Streamlined approval processes for licences and a commonsense approach to noise complaints is providing businesses in the sector with the certainty and confidence they need to invest again in hosting performance, trading later and hiring more staff.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said under the former government, there were seven agencies which dealt with noise complaints, allowing a single neighbour compaint to close a venue.
Now Liquor & Gaming NSW is the lead agency in managing noise complaints about licensed venues.
Under the reforms, venues approved as a live music venue with Liquor & Gaming NSW can trade for an extra two hours on nights when they provide live entertainment for at least 45 minutes after 8pm.
“It’s fantastic to see that some of our most popular venues have signed up to benefit from the Vibrancy changes – and in doing so are opening up new opportunities for locals to soak up our local sounds and providing jobs for our musicians and creatives,” she said.
“More entertainment options are greatly welcome on the Central Coast, and if this is just the start of what these reforms can deliver, then I’m excited to see what the continued roll-out will bring over the year.
“The NSW Government is committed to reviving the live music industry by providing support to grow venues bold visions for a vibrant arts and culture landscape across the Central Coast.”
Owner of the Link and Pin in Woy Woy Adam Brzozowski said the Vibrancy reforms were more user-friendly for live music venues.
“Later trading for example means we are better placed to broaden our programming scope, to bring even more diverse late-night live music line-ups to the Central Coast, as well as providing a place for relaxing, late-night, post-gig chats,” he said.
“We are definitely considering how we will utilise the extended trading hours.
“This is a government that is showing support for the live music scene and it is far more user-friendly from our perspective.”
To find out more about the Vibrancy Reforms visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/24-hour-economy/vibrancy-reforms
Be the first to comment on "Coast venues sign up to extend hours"