A total of 88 venues in Sydney have taken up the extended trading hours since November. Out of these, 18 are located in the City of Sydney, 30 in other parts of Sydney, and 40 in the regions. Tucano’s, a tiki-style bar in Surry Hills, recently extended its trading hours from midnight until 2am. This extension has allowed the venue to program live DJs with vocals on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and they plan to add drag shows and comedy in the future. Co-owner Ben Hickey expressed that the two-hour extension has been much more beneficial than the previous one-hour extension for the business, as people leaving pubs at midnight would not likely visit if the venue closed at 1am, but 2am gives them enough time to enjoy.
Hickey also noted that there has been an improvement in the relationships between venues, police, and liquor authorities. He mentioned that in the past, the relationship was more adversarial, but nowadays, they are more supportive and cooperative. Despite these positive changes, economic conditions remain tough for the hospitality industry in Sydney. Hickey mentioned that although there are many venues opening in the city and people are showing support, the frequency of people going out and spending money has decreased compared to previous years.
Graham, another individual interviewed, acknowledged the economic challenges faced by the industry, such as interest rate pressures and the rising cost of living. However, he expressed optimism about the future of Sydney’s night-time economy, stating that it is the first time in a long time that there has been positive news in the city. He believes that the direction is clear and points upwards, indicating a positive trend in the industry. Some initiatives, such as special entertainment precincts aimed at bolstering live music and outdoor dining, were initially developed by the previous Coalition government and later expanded by Labor.
Currently, the only operating entertainment precinct is on Enmore Road. Inner West Council plans to apply for an additional six precincts, including Balmain, to further promote live music and outdoor dining. Northern Beaches Council is also expected to discuss an expression of interest in implementing such precincts at an upcoming meeting. These initiatives are part of the efforts to revitalize Sydney’s night-time economy and make it more vibrant and appealing to locals and tourists alike. The collaboration between the government, councils, venues, and law enforcement is crucial in supporting and growing the night-time economy in Sydney.
In conclusion, the extension of trading hours in Sydney has been embraced by many venues, with 88 establishments taking advantage of the extended hours since November. This move has allowed venues like Tucano’s to offer more entertainment options and potentially increase their revenue. Despite economic challenges, there is optimism about the future of Sydney’s night-time economy, with initiatives like special entertainment precincts aimed at revitalizing the industry. Overall, collaboration between various stakeholders is essential in supporting the growth and success of the hospitality sector in Sydney.
