Pub trading restrictions and lockout laws will ease in Newcastle for a 12-month trial by the NSW Government, allowing the city to operate under the same rules as other NSW venues for the first time in 13 years.

Customer Service and Digital Minister Victor Dominello announced that patrons were able to enter pubs after 1 am, liquor trading hours extended to 3:30 am, and restrictions lifted on higher strength cocktails, spirits, and shots.

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said venues were invited to participate in the 12-month trial, starting mid this year.

“Good venues and patrons should not be punished for the actions of a few, but anyone doing the wrong thing should also not reap the benefits of this trial, and if they do, they will be removed,” Crakanthorp said.

“Our police Assistant Commissioner is supporting the trial, and police will be keeping an eye on how things progress.

“We live in a fantastic part of the state, and locals and visitors should be able to enjoy all parts of it in a vibrant and safe way.”

The easing of trading restrictions follows the six-month Night-Time Economic Trial assessment, which saw 21 small bars and restaurants have their opening hours extended.

In response to the City of Newcastle’s Newcastle After Dark Strategy, the evidence-based trial was a great success in terms of safety, community support, and economic outcomes.

Overseen by the Committee for Night-Time Jobs and Investment, the trial was designed to support a safe, vibrant, and diverse night-time economy with the evaluation framework capturing various data.

Data included venue activity, alcohol-related violence incidents, liquor licence compliance, patrons’ surveys, residents of suburbs with participating venues, and the general community. 

From the results, no alcohol-related assaults were recorded in any of the venues, and only two noise complaints relating to one venue had been received since October 1, 2020.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the trial had gathered invaluable insights on the impact of relaxed restrictions and the community’s needs.

“For Newcastle to thrive as a diverse and vibrant city, our night-time economy must be strong, and we welcome the relaxation of these restrictions on a more permanent basis, to meet the needs of our community and boost the hospitality and creative industries in the wake of COVID-19 disruptions,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The Trial has met the outcomes set out in our Newcastle After Dark Strategy, which has been shown through increased night-time economic development, cultural participation and activation in our city, without compromising residential amenity.”

Self-reported data conveyed an overall increase in turnover by 68.95%, paid staff hours increased by over 35% and patron volumes increased by over 28%.

City of Newcastle Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said laws restricting the night-time economy needed to be regularly reviewed.

“I’d like to acknowledge Minister Victor Dominello’s work in testing what on the surface looked like thirteen-year-old laws that were well past their use-by date,” Bath said.  

“Newcastle’s small bars and restaurants have evolved to present consumers with a boutique-style offering which was not previously available in 2008.

“Smaller sized venues with lower patron capacity attract a clientele that appreciate quality over quantity, often providing table service which allows licensees to closely observe and manage the rate of alcohol consumption.

“We knew these venues would present a low risk to community safety and amenity, and the preliminary Trial data confirms this while also demonstrating positive economic outcomes for local small businesses hard-hit by COVID-19.”

Hayley McMahon