Willoughby Hotel plan for late night closing as Covid keeps punters local

A north shore pub is the latest suburban venue to extend its opening times into the early hours, saying residents avoiding the CBD has led to a revival of the late-night economy.

North shore residents shunning visits to the CBD during Sydney’s ongoing Covid-19 restrictions is fuelling plans for a night-life boost to town centres north of the harbour bridge.

The Willoughby Hotel is the latest venue in the region planning to open its doors beyond its current closing hours with a proposal to Willoughby Council to trade as late as 2am

The extended operating times would increase from the current Monday to Saturday midnight closing hours. Opening hours on Sunday would also increase from 10pm to midnight.

Plans have been lodged to Willoughby Council.

The Penshurst St pub said the request “was in response to changing patron behaviour and an increase in late night patronage since Covid-19 restrictions commenced” last year.

“An increasing number of residents now work from home – a trend that is expected to continue,” the pub’s plans stated.

“Instead of staying in the Sydney CBD or other centres of employment after work for recreation and food, these residents prefer to remain in their area

“The extended trading hours would meet these reasonable changing needs of residents and patrons”.

The pub is the only north shore venue with late-night trading in its sights with the Monkey Bar in Chatswood extending its trading hours to 4am while the Yakitori Yurippi restaurant in Crows Nest is currently proposing to trade beyond its current 9pm limits to midnight.

North Sydney Council is meanwhile promoting an “18 hour economy” in the North Sydney CBD in a push to breathe new life into the town centre and boost the local economy.

Chatswood Chamber of Commerce president Warwick Andison said the trend of “locals staying local” has surged since last year’s Covid outbreak.

“Most people I know rarely go to the city and outside Chatswood these days and there’s been a renewed appreciation about what’s in our own backyard,” he said.

The hotel would open to 2am under the plans.

“Even before the 5km limits (were introduced) people were tending to shop more locally and that’s what’s kept all the businesses going.

“We’ve got Sydney’s best food right here – why would you want to go anywhere else?”

Plans for the Willoughby Hotel show the extra trading hours would apply to the ground and first floors of the pub, giving patrons access to the bistro, sports bar, gaming room and other areas.

Plans stated potential noise impacts on adjoining homes would be mitigated through measures including the closure of windows after 10pm and signs on doors asking patrons to keep the noise down when coming and going.

There would also be measures to address “anti-social behaviour” including CCTV, security guards, a barring policy and a complaints register.

“It is anticipated the overall social impact … will not be detrimental to the local or broader community.”

The North Shore Times contacted the pub management for additional comments about the plan but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

The proposal is currently under assessment by Willoughby Council.