NSW Government removes ‘5km Club rule’

The NSW Government has scrapped the antiquated rule that prevents people living within five kilometres of a Club from signing in without first becoming a member.

Under current legislation, residents living within 5kms of their local club must sign up as a member and typically pay a membership fee, demonstrate membership of a similar club elsewhere, or attend as the guest of an existing member.

The current restrictions reduce the likelihood of people regularly attending their local Club, or even trying it out for the first time - while those living beyond 5kms can freely sign in as visitors.

The 5km rule has been responsible for unexpected paperwork over the years for people just wanting to enter their local Club or RSL for a meal or beverage and the removal of the rule is expected to encourage more locals to enjoy their nearby Clubs before choosing whether or not to become a member.

Consigning the 5km rule to history is part of the next tranche of commonsense Vibrancy Reforms to be introduced to Parliament next month. This includes the removal of the outdated restrictions that prevented patrons from standing while drinking outside a licenced premises.

Clubs will still be able to attract new members with member-only incentives and access to their many facilities such as gyms and swimming pools.

The first round of Vibrancy Reforms:

• Permanently relaxed the rules for outdoor dining, allowing venues to make the most of their outdoor space

• Ended single noise complaints from shutting down pubs and other licensed venues

• Made it easier to activate streets for festivals and events (Open Streets program) and a regulatory model that allows streamlined approvals for repeat events (Permit, Plug, Play)

• Expanded Special Entertainment Precincts that empower local councils to change the rules around noise and opening hours in a designated area to support live entertainment and nightlife

• Increased incentives for live music and live performance, with two hours extended trading and an 80% reduction in liquor licence fees for licensed venues offering live music and performance

• Created easier pathways for extended trading hours for major events like the Olympics and World Cups.

NSW Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham noted “Red tape that gets in the way of people in NSW enjoying themselves for no discernible benefit will continue to go into the shredder under the Minns Labor Government.

“It has been an unwanted rite of passage for so many to be stuck in bureaucratic limbo over membership at the entry to a Club when all you want to do is go inside for a drink and a meal.

“Scrapping the 5km rule is just the start of our next round of reforms to reboot the nightlife and vibrancy of the state which are all about boosting the night-time economy, treating adults like adults and stripping back redundant red tape.” 

Clubs NSW Chief Executive Rebecca Riant added “we have long advocated for this change, so this is a fantastic outcome for our industry.

“It’s about providing clubs with the choice, and for many clubs — particularly golf and sailing clubs who have social membership caps — this will make a huge difference.’