A range of changes to NSW liquor, planning and noise management laws to support a thriving and vibrant night-time economy and cultural sector were passed by NSW Parliament in November 2023.
Some of these changes strengthened the framework for SEPs to include the following measures:
- From mid-2024, clearer sound governance: Liquor & Gaming NSW will manage entertainment sound complaints for licensed venues and councils will be empowered to set sound standards and manage unlicensed venues.
- Additional trading hour extensions for licensed live music venues in SEPs, including 2 hours on nights they offer live music, and if they provide 2 nights of performance, 1 hour on other nights. Other eligibility criteria for the trading hour incentives can be found here.
- From mid-2024, new powers for councils to automatically adjust trading hours on development consents to support diverse late-night offerings.
- Arrangements requiring new developments in SEPs to mitigate sound will continue.
- Strengthening governance to support safety and collaboration.
To help create and support more night-time districts, the NSW Government will also provide a support service for councils interested in establishing a SEP.
