Pubs, clubs and bars are set to stay open into the early hours of the morning during the Olympics in a major change to trading hours for one state.
NSW venues will be able to trade later than usual so long as they screen selected 2024 Olympics events in a new move by the NSW government.
The decision will give more Olympics fans the opportunity to cheer for their favourite teams given the eight-hour time difference between Paris and Sydney.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said all NSW pubs, clubs and bars are eligible for the extended trading hours and don’t need to apply individually to open when they screen the Olympics live.
‘Olympic fever only strikes once every four years and as Australians we know this means late nights and some sleep deprivation to enjoy it properly,’ he said.
‘There is nothing like cheering home a gold medal winner with friends and community. Special event extended trading will support that – as well as an economic boost and more jobs at night.’
The move is also set to extend past the Olympics, with venues able to keep their doors open longer for ‘special cultural and sporting events’ in a bid to boost nightlife economies. Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said he’s keen to take advantage of the new trading hours himself.
Sydney pubs, clubs and bars are set to stay open into the early hours of the morning during the Olympics in a major change to trading hours. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jenny Evans
Sydney venues will be able to trade later than usual so long as they screen selected 2024 Olympics events in a new move by the NSW government. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw
‘The Olympics is the biggest show on Earth, and Australia is one of its most sport-loving nations, so it’s appropriate that NSW residents will be able to come together at local venues to cheer on our athletes competing in these major events,’ he said.
‘The extended trading will allow our pubs, clubs and bars to benefit from the Games while patrons soak up the Olympics atmosphere.
‘I look forward to joining the late-night crowds to cheer on our Olympians during the coming weeks.’
Patrons are encouraged to check in with their local venues for specific opening hours.
