NSW Government To Lift Red Tape For Indoor & Outdoor Venues To Host More Events

The Chris Minns Labor Government in New South Wales is set to lift red tape for indoor and outdoor venues to host events as part of its expanded vibrancy reforms.

The move comes as part of the government’s new Cultural State Environmental Planning Policy, which aims to reduce the time required to obtain approval for an event, gig, or festival from the local council or state agency. The policy will remove outdated and lengthy planning pathways.

According to a press release, among the changes are more live music, comedy, theatre, book readings, and other entertainment events taking place indoors and outdoors without the need for a development application, as long as the events start after midday.

Other changes include increased patron capacity by up to 30% for outdoor dining, street fairs and community festivals to be allowed as exempt development on public land, extended trading for shops, cafes, and other unlicensed venues during significant local events, and cellar doors, on-farm cafes, and restaurants allowed to activate outdoor dining without a development application.

In a statement, the NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham, said that red tape has “stopped venues from properly using their outdoor space.”

“Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities on earth, but red tape has stopped venues from properly using their outdoor space. That is now changing thanks to these reforms,” Graham said.

He continued, “These changes will increase entertainment options and boost the bottom line for businesses.

“We know that arduous, expensive planning approvals have been a stop sign to progress in NSW, so just like we have done for housing, we are now cutting planning red tape to boost vibrancy.

“The Cultural SEPP builds on two years' worth of reforms aimed at bringing Sydney back to life.”

The NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, added, “These simple planning changes will re-awaken NSW’s events, entertainment and hospitality sectors, which have been suffering under excessive regulations since the introduction of lockout laws in 2014. 

“We’re simplifying the rules to empower local councils and businesses to host events, extend trading hours, and bring communities together through arts, culture and hospitality without the headache of unnecessary red tape.

“The Minns Labor Government wants NSW to be the place where young people choose to live and work, which means, alongside unlocking more housing, we must also support lively communities and culture.”

Lime Cordiale’s Oli Leimbach praised the move, as he’s been concerned that young Aussies are “losing the habit of going out to see live music.” 

“This is such a positive step in the right direction. I’ve been worried that young Australians are losing the habit of going out to see live music,” Leimbach said.

“Making gigs easier to put on will push the Australian music scene forward, give new bands a stage, and strengthen our festival culture.

“Wherever we go in the world, people rave about the quality of Aussie music, and it deserves all the support it can get.”

As an artist and former festival organiser, Jack River said she welcomes the reforms.

“The Vibrancy Reforms will welcome live music and culture back into public spaces - where for too long it’s been a struggle and an afterthought,” she shared.

“Our pubs, clubs and venues should be supported and encouraged to feature Australian Artists - these reforms do just that!”