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We’re all in need of some good news at the moment, don’t you reckon? Here’s some for you. The number of venues in New South Wales that have taken up the government’s live music incentive – including extending trading hours – has quadrupled since March 2023, after the lockout laws and Covid almost destroyed nightlife. Meaning: four times more cool places for NSW residents to get their live-music hit.
Now there are 564 venues throughout the state – from Cooma to Coogee, Marrickville to Murwillumbah – taking advantage of the govt’s night-time economy vibrancy reforms. That equals a hell of a lot more live gigs and good times being had.
Under the vibrancy incentives, eligible venues can access an 80 per cent discount on liquor licensing fees, reducing costs for businesses hosting live music. Plus, venues get an additional two hours of trade on nights they host live music, and an hour on every other night for venues in a Special Entertainment Precinct (like Enmore Road).
Reinvigorating the state’s after-dark fun has been a key aim for NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham, who is stoked to see music at the centre of the night-time economy revival. “From pub rock in the ’80s and ’90s to the club scene in the 2000s, our state has such a rich history of live music. We’re bringing that back as we rebuild the night-time economy from a decade of lockouts and lockdowns.
“To see the number of venues quadruple is a great sign our vibrancy reforms are working, and that there’s a great appetite for venues and fans for live music,” he added.
CEO of the Night Time Industries Association Mick Gibb made the point that live music is good for a range of small businesses and also for human connection: “Live music can help get someone off the couch and in front of a stage or convince them to cancel the UberEats order and opt for a parmi in a pub instead.
“The vibrancy reforms have made it possible for venues of all different shapes and sizes to add live music and performance to their offering. It encourages businesses to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving tastes and demands of patrons.”
The proof is in the pudding: 7th Day Brewery in Brookie has increased its annual number of gigs from 80 to 300 (a 375 per cent increase), and the Coledale RSL has gone from 72 to 150 annual gigs (a 208 per cent increase).
Here are some of the things that have helped liven up NSW's live music scene:
- The lockout laws have been scrapped, including the mandated 3.30am last drinks policy
- Single serial noise complaints can no longer shut down venues, and there are mediation processes in place to resolve issues
- Venues can offer live entertainment without needing to seek approval, in a range of contexts, including outdoors
- Grant programs, including Venue Upgrade Grants and the Live Performance Venue Program, have supported 155 live performance venues to become more fit-for-purpose with upgraded sound equipment, soundproofing and marketing to attract new audiences
In short, more gigs means more independent Aussie artists in work – and more dancefloor sessions with your mates. How good.
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