Sweeping changes to NSW’s ‘nightmare’ liquor laws are expected to pass through Parliament this week, heralding the “lights back on” in Sydney.
The Liquor Amendment (24-hour Economy) Bill will deliver over 600 amendments to State laws and is expected to eliminate what are described as antiquated restrictions imposed on hospitality venues.
“There were so many cobwebs in relation to this part of the economy that it was like a haunted house,” offered Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello.
“What this Bill does is get rid of a lot of them so live music can get back to where it should be.”
The Bill is said to be the product of bipartisan work, and having passed through the upper house last Thursday is expected to be approved by the NSW Legislative Assembly in coming days.
Dominello describes some of the restrictions imposed on venues, including the use of mirror balls, as “last century” and says the Bill clarifies such things, along with live music and dancing, as legal in venues. No longer will the legislation place onerous restrictions on aspects of live music such as the number of performers, the instruments played, or the direction bands have to be facing, as in the current regulations.
“These were the type of restrictions that were having blanket bans on live music, just because it was live music. There was no nuance.”
There will reportedly also be greater freedom for outdoor dining and performances during COVID restrictions, and music venues in Sydney CBD and designated new entertainment zones will be granted an additional half hour of trade.
The recorded music industry says the Bill represents the greatest overhaul of live music regulations “in a generation”.
“APRA AMCOS and the Live Music Office have long advocated that one of the major keys to supporting the Australian music industry’s global success is for the removal of unnecessary and complex regulations on live music,” Tweeted Dean Ormston, APRA AMCOS CEO.
“All these changes will help support mall businesses and drive an economic recovery across the state, and importantly, getting musicians back to work.”
