NSW venues to open later for special events

The NSW Government has extended hotel and club trading hours for the Australian Open tennis men’s final, Tamworth country music festival and the AFC Asian Cup.

Minister for Racing Paul Toole said the later trading would enable patrons to gather and socialise at venues later at night for these special events.

“The extensions are part of the NSW Government’s support for major cultural and sports events that boost entertainment options and support local economies,” Minister Toole said.

“Standard 10pm Sunday trading across NSW has been extended to midnight for the Australian Open men’s tennis final on 27 January.

“As this is the Sunday of the Australia Day long weekend, it’s a great chance for tennis fans to head to their local hotel or club and watch all the action on the big screen with family and friends.”

Venues in the Tamworth local government area can open until midnight on Sunday 20 January and Sunday 27 January for the Tamworth country music festival.

“As many hotels, bars and clubs are hosting gigs as part of the festival, the extended trading means fans can enjoy their favourite performers later at night.

“The Tamworth country music festival is Australia’s largest music festival and will offer more than 2,800 events featuring 700 artists from 18 to 27 January.”

Venues across the state showing live telecasts of the Asian Football Confederation’s Asian Cup being held in the United Arab Emirates, will also have trading extensions. The extended trading hours will only apply only for matches featuring the Socceroos and do not apply to take-away liquor sales.

Venues already approved to trade during or beyond the extended hours can operate as usual. Hotels and clubs must still comply with any individual trading restrictions or other special conditions that apply to their licences under the Liquor Act.