Liquor & Gaming NSW has confirmed later trading on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, for both licensed venues and takeaway sales.
Due to Christmas and New Year’s Eves falling on a Sunday, special arrangements were decided to give consumers additional time to patronise and make purchases ahead of the festive days.
All hotels, clubs, bars and restaurants can trade until 2am* on New Year’s Eve, and the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross lockout lockout regulations do not apply that night.
L&G has confirmed to PubTIC that licensed premises have been granted authority to trade until 11pm on Christmas Eve. (Further details on the L&G website.)
Takeaway sales can take place until 11pm on both Christmas and New Year’s Eve**, and begin at the earlier time of 8am on Christmas Eve.
The regulator forewarns a “strong presence in venues” over the festive season, with the Sydney CBD and surrounds, eastern suburbs and beaches, Newcastle, Wollongong and Byron Bay slated for targeting.
“We want to ensure venues provide a safe environment for people to celebrate over the festive season with the lowest possible risk of alcohol-related harm,” says L&G NSW director of compliance operations, Sean Goodchild.
*Venues with extended trading on Sundays can continue to trade as usual for both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
**Only businesses that can trade until 11pm other days are eligible