Five-Kilometre Rule Scrapped for Clubs

The antiquated rule that prevents people living within five kilometres of a club from signing in without first becoming a member is being torn up as part of the Minns Government’s ongoing crusade against pointless red tape strangling our nightlife. 

The five-kilometre rule has been responsible for countless head-scratching moments and unexpected paperwork over the years for people just wanting to enter their local club for a meal or beverage. Removing the rule is expected to encourage more locals to enjoy their nearby clubs before choosing whether or not to become a member. 

Consigning the five-kilometre rule to history is part of the next tranche of vibrancy reforms to be introduced to Parliament next month. This includes the removal of the outdated restrictions that prevented patrons from standing while drinking outside a licenced premises. 

The first round of vibrancy reforms: 

• Permanently relaxed the rules for outdoor dining, allowing venues to make the most of their outdoor space 
• Ended single noise complaints from shutting down licensed venues.
• Made it easier to activate streets for festivals and events (Open Streets program) and a regulatory model that allows streamlined approvals for repeat events (Permit, Plug, Play).
• Expanded Special Entertainment Precincts that empower local councils to change the rules around noise and opening hours in a designated area to support live entertainment and nightlife.
• Increased incentives for live music and live performance, with two hours extended trading and an 80 per cent reduction in liquor licence fees for licensed venues offering live music and performances.
• Created easier pathways for extended trading hours for major events like the Olympics and World Cups. 

“We have long advocated for clubs to have flexibility when it comes to deciding whether locals within a five-kilometre radius of their venues must be members to enter, so this is a fantastic outcome for our industry,” ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant said. 

“It’s about providing clubs with the choice, and for many clubs — particularly golf and sailing clubs who have social membership caps — this will make a huge difference.

“Any legislation that makes it more difficult to visit and enjoy clubs is not in the interest of our industry or our communities. We want people to become members of their local club so that they can enjoy discounted meals, drinks and entertainment, and all of the other wonderful benefits that being a club member delivers — not because a piece of legislation requires them to. 

“We thank Minister Graham and Minister Harris for their support, and we look forward to working with the NSW Government on future vibrancy reforms.”

^{Norths Collective CEO Luke Simmons, ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant and NSW Minister for the Night-Time Economy John Graham.}

Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said that any red tape that gets in the way of people in NSW enjoying themselves for no discernible benefit will continue to go into the shredder under the Minns Labor Government. 

“It has been an unwanted rite of passage for so many to be stuck in bureaucratic limbo over membership at the entry to a club when all you want to do is go inside for a drink and a meal,” Mr Graham said.

“Scrapping the five-kilometre rule is just the start of our next round of reforms to reboot the nightlife and vibrancy of the state.” 

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris agreed that the change will free people up to visit their local club without the obligation and cost to sign up as a member. 

“Of course, clubs will still attract members like they always have, with the benefits of belonging to a club, but this change will mean locals can visit and enjoy a meal, a drink and maybe a gig, without having to join,” said Mr Harris.

“Our reforms are about streamlining processes so businesses can focus on delivering a great experience for their patrons, while giving people greater access to venues in their local community.” 

The change was announced at The Greens in North Sydney on Sunday, 22 September. 

“Clubs are at the core of our community and their ability to remain relevant is essential for a sustainable future,” Norths Collective CEO Luke Simmons said.

“Removing the ‘five-kilometre rule’ enables all local residents to connect with their local club to listen to world-class live music while enjoying great value food and beverage across so many fantastic indoor and outdoor venues.”