The Minns Labor Government’s decision to extend trading hours during the FIFA World Cup is delivering a major boost to venues across the state, with early-morning matches drawing big crowds and injecting new energy into the hospitality sector and economy.
Fans packed out pubs, clubs and bars across the state to watch Socceroos matches at the World Cup until they were knocked out by Egypt in the first round of play offs on 4 July (AEST), with many venues opening their doors earlier than ever to meet demand during the
Licensed venues across NSW can continue to operate extended hours for the remaining match, the big finale between Spain and Argentina at 5am (AEST) on Monday.
Green and gold fans soaked up the festival vibe at live sites showing all Socceroos matches at Darling Harbour’s Tumbalong Park and Cathy Freeman Park in Homebush.
Tumbalong Park is also live screening all finals matches during which extended trading arrangements will apply across the City of Sydney local government area.
But the momentum won’t stop on Monday morning when the FIFA World Cup 2026 winner hoists the coveted gold trophy.
The NSW Government has now locked in special event extended trading hours for the remainder of 2026, giving venues and patrons even more reasons to celebrate. The expanded calendar spans blockbuster sporting moments including:
- Rugby League NRL Grand Final and the World Cup
- the US Tennis Open
- Bathurst 1000 racing.
Regional NSW also gets a strong boost, with extended trading set to support iconic local events such as:
- Tamworth’s Hats Off to Country Festival
- Flavours of Mudgee Street Festival
- Cessnock’s D’Vine Food and Wine Festival
- The New Annual Festival in Newcastle
- Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash
- Orange Region Fire Festival.
In Sydney, a packed line-up keeps the energy high including:
- King Street Crawl
- Marrickville Music Festival
- Granny Smith Festival in Eastwood
- Festival of Balmain
- Cabramatta’s Moon Festival celebrations.
The initiative is part of the NSW Government’s Special Event Extended Trading program; a key element of its Vibrancy Reforms aimed at strengthening the state’s night-time economy while maintaining a strong focus on safety and responsible service.
Extended trading applies to on-premises alcohol service only, with all venues required to uphold responsible service obligations. Venues that operate gaming machines, cannot extend gaming machine operating hours as part of this extended trading.
For the full list of special event extended trading dates for the remainder of 2026, visit:
nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/liquor-and-gaming/licensed-venues/special-event-extended-trading
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
“The response to extended trading during the FIFA World Cup has been outstanding, with venues across NSW reporting big crowds and an incredible atmosphere.
“With matches played across time zones, these extended hours are driving real benefits for hospitality businesses and their staff helping venues make the most of a global event while giving fans more ways to enjoy it.
“We’re keeping the good times rolling with special event extended trading hours locked in for the remainder of the year for big events across the state, from Balmain to Broken Hill, Cabramatta to Cessnock, Wollongong to Windradyne – giving venues and patrons lots more reasons to celebrate.
“This is our Vibrancy Reforms in action, backing local businesses, bringing communities together and creating a nightlife that people want to be part of in our cities and regional towns.
“Sydney and NSW are showing they can host global moments in a way that’s vibrant, inclusive and safe, exactly the kind of energy we’re building across our night-time economy.”
Australian Hotels Association NSW Deputy CEO Sean Morrissey said:
“The extended trading hours during the FIFA World Cup have been great for our patrons and our hotels.
“Pubs across the state have been packed with passionate fans keen to get a little taste of the World Cup atmosphere.
“It’s been fantastic to see people coming together, especially in the early hours, instead of staying home and yelling at their TV.
“With a full schedule of events locked in for extended trading hours for the rest of the year, communities around NSW will have the opportunity to come together to celebrate the big occasions.”
