Minns government greenlights extended trading hours during sport events

Sport fans and venues across the harbour city will be the big winners when our best players face off against their international rivals this year, with pubs and clubs given the green light to stay open later during major sporting events.

Sport fans and venues across the harbour city will be the big winners when our best players face off against their international rivals this year, with pubs and clubs given the green light to stay open later during major sporting events.

Sydneysiders won’t have to hold their breath for the longer nights either, with extended trading hours starting this weekend when the Waratahs take on the British Lions at Allianz Stadium.

Venues across the City of Sydney will be able to trade past midnight until 1am in a bid by the Minns government to “bring the city back to life,” The Saturday Telegraph can reveal.

Pubs, clubs and bars across the City of Sydney and Parramatta will be allowed to stay open until 2am when the Lions also on the Wallabies in a blockbuster match at Accor Stadium next month.

The night-life boost comes as tens of thousands of interstate and international travellers make their way to Sydney for the Lions Tour, which only happens once every 12 years.

Rugby fans will be able to celebrate the Waratahs match against the Lions on Saturday at their favourite venues until 1am. Picture: Richard Dobson

But the extended trading hours are not a one-off, with venues given the all-clear to stay open later during the Women’s Rugby World Cup from late August to September so NSW fans can cheer on the Wallaroos in England.

Night-time Economy Minister John Graham said cutting the red tape around trading hours will encourage visitors to soak up the atmosphere of world-class matches well beyond the final whistle.

Extended trading hours until 2am will also apply in the City of Sydney and Parramatta when the Wallabies take on the Lions next month. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The night-life boost will be a big win for local hospitality venues. Picture: Bob Henry/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

“When tens of thousands of international rugby fans walk out of the stadium, they should step into a vibrant night-life, not quiet empty streets,” Mr Graham said.

“We want sports fans to have an amazing experience during and after the match. It’s good for the city and it’s good for our hospitality operators.”

Extended trading has also been approved for other sport and entertainment events including the NRL Men’s and Women’s Grand Finals, Bathurst 1000, King St Crawl, Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash and SXSW Sydney.

“When major sporting events come to town, full time on the scoreboard shouldn’t mean full time for the night,” Gaming Minister David Harris said.

“By extending trading hours during Australia’s games at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, the NSW Government is backing the surge in support for elite women’s sport and making sure supporters don’t miss a minute. “

Originally published as Minns government greenlights extended trading hours during sport events