A statement from Sydney’s Inner West Council this week has brought exciting news to business owners and punters alike, with the news that Sydney will be getting four new Special Entertainment Precincts. 

Special Entertainment Precincts are marked by a relaxation of noise regulations and extended trading hours, allowing venues to host entertainment and late-night footpath dining without requiring council approval. The initiative is being spearheaded by 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Michael Rodrigues. 

Enmore Road, unsurprisingly, was the pilot for Sydney’s first Special Entertainment Precinct, a move which saw a spate of great new bars and venues open in the area, like Pleasure Club and The Magpie. Now the NSW Government in partnership with the Inner West Council are looking to transform more Sydney suburbs to bring vibrancy back to our nightlife.

Related story: The Pleasure Club brings live music and late night partying to Newtown

Balmain’s Darling Street is set to become the city’s second Special Entertainment Precinct, having enjoyed a renaissance of late with refurbishments of pubs like the Sackville Hotel (and its swanky French bistro, Chez Blue) and the Dry Dock.

Marrickville Road Marrickville, Marrickville Road Dulwich Hill, and Norton Street Leichhardt to follow soon after Balmain and Rozelle.

The precincts have historically been cultural hubs for Sydney nightlife, with once thriving  restaurants, bars, and art spaces having suffered significantly in recent decades. 

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The provisions of the Special Entertainment Precinct include:

• An additional hour of trading for hospitality venues that host live entertainment
• The ability for all main street businesses to host small-scale artistic and cultural events without the need for a development application
• Approval for later outdoor dining until 11:00pm
• A reduction in the number of government agencies policing Inner West complaints to just one agency

The Inner West Council is hosting consultations with local venues, businesses, artists and members of the community to have their say about new Special Entertainment Precincts. And remember, if you bought a house next door to a pub, don’t be upset when there’s a pub next to your house. Have fun!

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