NSW Parliament passes live music vibrancy reforms

NSW Parliament has passed landmark legislation introducing a package of reforms to overhaul regulatory frameworks and remove red tape to help the state’s live music industry to thrive.

Landmark legislation was coordinated by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner in partnership with The Cabinet Office and designed to bring the vibrancy back into NSW’s night-time economy.

This means the NSW Government will shortly begin implementing the Vibrancy Reforms across the state. These legislative and regulatory reforms will benefit hospitality businesses, the creative sector and councils through six key areas of change:

1. Sensible venue sound management: From mid-2024, the Vibrancy Reforms will designate Liquor & Gaming NSW as the lead regulator of entertainment sound-related complaints for all licensed premises.

2. Vibrant, coordinated precincts: Building on the success of the Enmore Road Special Entertainment Precinct, this precinct model will be extended to other areas via an enhanced framework.

3. An activated outdoors: Venues can continue operating outdoor dining on private land without disruption over the busy summer period.

4. Empowering the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner to deliver a sustainable, thriving night-time economy: As the first state jurisdiction in the world to appoint a 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, the Commissioner’s role will now be a statutory appointment, expanding the Commissioner’s remit from Greater Sydney to all of NSW.

5. Streamlined, contemporary licensing: Streamlined processes for planning and licensing to reduce duplication and costs, and incentives for venues to feature live music and performance.

6. Improving the night-time sector for workers: Developing and implementing a plan to make the night-time economy more rewarding, safe, flexible and accessible for those who don’t work 9 to 5.

The reforms have been designed in close consultation with the 24-Hour Economy Advisory Group, local government, peak industry groups and others.

For more information, visit NSW Vibrancy Reforms website