Curtain rises on Special Entertainment Precincts

Live music and performances in NSW will be given a boost, with a new pilot program that will support councils to establish special entertainment precincts.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the NSW Government would work with City of Sydney, Inner West and Lake Macquarie Councils, to develop special entertainment precincts aimed at boosting live music and performance.

“This is a great initiative to help our live music industry and hospitality sector to get back on their feet following the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.

“The program will give live performances a boost by helping councils cut red tape and encourage a thriving live music and entertainment scene.

“We want to see the NSW night-time economy grow while ensuring it’s diverse, vibrant, safe and inclusive.”

Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said supporting venues to put on more live music and performance was a core component of the Government’srecent night time economy and liquor reforms.

“The NSW Government’s night time economy reforms have been heralded by the live music industry as nation leading. That’s because they are based on providing incentives, streamlining approval processes and taking a data-driven approach to regulation,” Mr Dominello said.

“By supporting initiatives such as Special Entertainment Precincts we are facilitating opportunities for the next generation of musicians and live entertainers.”

Mr Dominello said live music and performance venues were eligible for an 80 per cent discount on their annual liquor licence fees, providing a saving into the thousands of dollars for many licensed venues.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the Office of Local Government has been working closely with councils and industry bodies to align the amendments to the Liquor Act and special entertainment precincts.

“We are pleased to be working with the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Police and Liquor and Gaming, to develop guidelines for councils to deliver precincts easily and safely,” Mrs Hancock said.

“By working with these three councils to establish trial precincts, we can assure business owners they can host acts and artists right into the night now and into the future.”

Under the Local Government Act 1993, councils may establish a Special Entertainment Precinct in an area by amending its local environmental plan to identify the special entertainment precinct, with trials commencing in early 2022.

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