Vibrancy Reforms

The NSW Government’s vision for the state’s 24-hour economy is to cement NSW as a world class nightlife destination for visitors, locals and workers alike.

The NSW Government is committed to enhancing vibrancy in NSW by creating an environment for venues and artists to flourish, simplifying the regulation of entertainment noise, removing red tape for local councils to host special events, supporting outdoor activation, and modernising the liquor licensing system.

Patrons enjoying live music at the Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst
What are Vibrancy Reforms?

The Vibrancy Reforms are a cross-government initiative developed in consultation with key government agencies, industry, councils and stakeholders to improve the night-time economy through both legislative and policy reforms.

The legislative reforms were made through the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Act 2023 and the 24-Hour Economy Legislation Amendment (Vibrancy Reforms) Act 2023.

In October 2024, the NSW Parliament passed the 24-Hour Economy Legislation Amendment (Vibrancy Reforms) Act 2024, and these newest changes will take effect in the coming months as outlined on this page.

Areas of change

When will the reforms commence?

  • Expanding eligibility for Special Event Extended Trading to on-premises and producer/wholesaler licences
  • Removing the rule requiring local residents living within a radius of 5km of a registered club to become a member to attend the club
  • No longer placing as a ‘standard condition’ on temporary outdoor dining approvals for licensed premises that require patrons to only consume liquor when seated
  • Ensuring that a Special Entertainment Precinct can be established on state-owned land such as White Bay or Walsh Bay precincts
  • Overriding conditions of development consent that prohibit live entertainment in a Special Entertainment Precinct
  • Requiring that councils notify neighbouring residents and businesses of a Special Entertainment Precinct by a notice published on its website and a notation on planning certificates
  • SEP Support Hub for councils launched online, with Guidelines, an Acoustic Toolkit, Handbook and templates
  • Streamlined pathway for declaring a major event so recurring events of state significance can be more easily supported
  • Cultural State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) Explanation of Intended Effect on public exhibition
  • Consultation on the mutual recognition of mobile outdoor businesses across local government areas

Watch the videos to learn what’s already changed

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Vibrancy Reforms: Supporting more live music with incentives for venues

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Vibrancy Reforms: A fairer approach to managing entertainment noise

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Vibrancy Reforms: Making it easier for outdoor dining

Frequently asked questions

More information

Liquor licensing reforms - What's changing

Liquor & Gaming NSW has developed specific information for how these reforms impact licensed premises and the hospitality sector.

Planning and the night-time economy

Find out more about how the changes affect development consent conditions and noise management conditions.

Mutual recognition

The Office of Local Government has been consulting on the approvals process for mobile vendors to operate across multiple council areas.

Special Entertainment Precincts

For more information about how the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner is supporting councils to establish and manage SEPs.

Contact us

For more information on the NSW Vibrancy Reforms, please email:

 

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