Calls to extend trading hours to boost Randwick night-life
The owner of a popular Randwick restaurant says he regularly has to kick out “a full house” because of current restrictions on trading hours — as Randwick Council consider whether to make changes to improve night-life.
Southern Courier
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The owner of a popular Randwick restaurant says he regularly has to kick out “a full house” because of current restrictions on trading hours — calling on Randwick Council to support better night-life.
Randwick Council resolved early last year to prepare a long-term night-life strategy.
The Randwick City Night Time Economy Study has since been drafted and outlines a strategy to improve night-life over the next 10 years.
On Tuesday (October 22), the council will decide whether to pursue actions recommended in the study.
One of the recommendations is to make changes to extend existing retail trading hours to 11pm and allow “low impact” bars to operate as late as 1am outside and 2am inside (with restrictions differing for different areas).
An audit conducted as part of the strategy also found that while The Spot (Randwick), Coogee and Kingsford town centres were doing well at night, areas such as Maroubra, Matraville and Randwick Junction could be greatly improved.
Aidan Morrison, co-owner of Bat Country based at The Spot, said his restaurant and bar was often busy at night particularly on Fridays and Saturdays.
“At the moment we are able to trade until midnight,” he said.
“It would be great if we could remain open a little bit later. On Fridays and Saturdays we basically have to kick out a full house.”
He said people often came out of the cinema across the road and were looking for a bite and a drink after a late screening.
He also said they prided themselves on providing great coffee for emergency services during the evening and at night.
The proposed strategy includes other elements such as better supporting live music and events, better use of council-owned and private spaces for exhibitions and improving transport options at night.
The strategy was initiated by Randwick’s youngest councillor Dylan Parker who said there was room to improve night-life in the region.
“Our area has so much to be proud of during the day with a spectacular coastline and fantastic open space. This is an important first step to jump start our night-life.
“We’ve got the beaches, the parks, and the walkways. There is absolutely no good reason why we can’t have arts, music, and culture as well. It just takes effort and energy.
“Small bars, live music and food trucks would be an exciting addition to our area.”
The council will decide on Tuesday whether to endorse the draft Randwick City Night Time Economy Study for public exhibition.
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