Clubs in Regional NSW Able to Stay Open Later for Special Events This Summer

For the first time, the Ballina Cup, Thredbo Blues Festival, Illawarra Folk Festival, Love Lanes Festival in Wyong and the Big Bash League match in Coffs Harbour are among the events where patrons can grab a late night bite to eat and keep festivities going at nearby licensed venues. 

They will join events such as the Parkes Elvis Festival and Tamworth Country Music Festival, which are regularly granted local special event extended trading. 

This summer the types of venues able to trade later has also grown, with licensed restaurants and certain producer/wholesalers now able to stay open later into the night, along with hotels, clubs, bars and dedicated live music and performance venues. 

Special event extended trading hours* are made available under the Liquor Act 2007 for events that are of “regional, state or national significance”.

The initiative is designed to support the state’s venues and encourage a vibrant nightlife for residents and visitors. 

Special event extended trading across January and February will apply to: 

• BBL – Sydney Sixers v. Brisbane Heat, Coffs Harbour 
• Parkes Elvis Festival 
• Ballina Cup 
• Illawarra Folk Festival 
• Tamworth Country Music Festival 
• Thredbo Blues Festival 
• Bathurst 12-Hour 
• Tenterfield Show 
• Glen Innes Show 
• Australian Open finals (statewide) 
• Riverboats Music Festival, Echuca (extended trading for border town in Moama, NSW) 
• Love Lanes Festival, Wyong 
• Mardi Gras – Ultraviolet.

The full list of special events and more information on extended trading can be found here.

“The NSW Government has implemented key election commitments to restore vibrancy in NSW and revitalise our hospitality, live music, entertainment and cultural sectors,” said Minister for the Night-time Economy John Graham.

“Under the second package of reforms made through the 24-Hour Economy Legislation Amendment (Vibrancy Reforms) Act 2024, the types of eligible venues able to participate in special event extended trading have been expanded. 

“The eligible licences were previously limited to hotels, clubs, bars and live music and performance venues but now includes venues such as licensed restaurants and breweries.” 

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said the main aim of special event extended trading in our regions is to support vibrancy within local communities and enable businesses to take advantage when these events come to town. 

“The NSW Government also wants to provide more options for people attending events — whether it’s the Parkes Elvis Festival, Ballina Cup or Love Lanes Festival in Wyong,” he said. 

“What better way to make the most of the summer vibes than a drink and a meal at your local after one of these fantastic community events. 

“Eligible venues intending to take advantage of the extended trading hours must ensure they continue to adhere to Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements and have appropriate measures in place to ensure the safety of their patrons.” 

*The additional opening hours apply only to drinks sold on premises, not takeaway alcohol sales. Any individual trading restrictions or special conditions that apply to a venue’s liquor licence also remain in place for these events. Extended trading does not authorise the use of electronic gaming machines during special event extended trading hours, if they wouldn’t have otherwise been authorised.