Proposals to relax liquor licence conditions for Newcastle hotels, bars and nightclubs will be considered on a case-by-case basis following the release of findings from a major trial examining options for boosting the city’s nightlife.
Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) Chairperson Caroline Lamb said a wide range of data and community and stakeholder views have been taken on board from stage two of the trial, which involved 21 venues.
“The evaluation report includes feedback from Newcastle venues, residents, and various stakeholders as well as patronage, noise complaints and alcohol-related offence data,” Ms Lamb said.
“After carefully considering the findings, ILGA has resolved that the trial conditions should continue for participating venues until 30 June to give them time to apply for changes to liquor licences.
“Because there were wide variations in levels of alcohol-related offences among the 21 venues in the trial, it’s vital that any proposals to relax conditions are considered individually, with a strong focus on compliance, safety and avoiding any unacceptable risks to the community.”
Key findings from the evaluation report include:
- The majority of participating venues indicated that the relaxed licensing conditions positively impacted their patronage, business turnover and employment opportunities
- There was a 40 per cent increase in total spending on dining and entertainment across the whole Newcastle LGA compared to 2019, the most recent year not impacted by COVID restrictions.
- While there was an overall rise in the number of assaults and incidents of affray at the participating venues during the trial compared to previous years, the majority of venues recorded no increases. Compared to 2008 when the conditions were imposed, there has been significant declines in levels of offences across all venues.
The first stage of the trial was undertaken from October 2020 to March 2021 and involved extended trading hours and removal of drink restrictions after 10pm for restaurants and small bars.
The stage two trial involved hotels, bars and nightclubs and included:
- Removal of 1am and 1:30am lockout restrictions;
- Extension of liquor trading hours until 3.30am on any night venues are normally authorised to sell liquor until at least 2.30am; and
- Easing of restrictions on the types of drinks that may be served, allowing higher strength cocktails, neat spirits and shooters.
The evaluation report for stage two of the trial is available here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/1124765/newcastle-liquor-licensing-trial-stage-2-evaluation-report.pdf
