New noise complaint regulations coming into effect will protect venues from serial complainants, while sound proofing grants will protect residents’ right to a good night’s sleep.
This suite of measures is part of the Minns Labor Government’s agenda to rebuild Sydney’s night-time economy, support live music and create vibrant communities.
The noise and licensing reforms coming into effect from 1 July include:
- Order of occupancy. This will become a central consideration in determining disturbance complaints and considers whether the licensed venue or the complainant occupied their premises first. The party established first will be favoured in determining disturbance complaints. This will prevent incoming residents restricting the entertainment offerings or operating hours of already established venues.
- Simplifying noise complaint process. Liquor & Gaming NSW will become the lead regulator for noise complaints relating to licensed premises. Previously, seven agencies have managed noise complaints.
- Complainants. The number of people required to make a statutory disturbance complaint against a licensed premises will increase from three to five. They must not be from the same household or business and will be required to prove that they have tried to resolve any issues with the licensee before lodging a complaint.
- Take-away alcohol for small bars. Temporary allowances for limited take-away sales from small bars that were introduced during the covid-19 pandemic will become permanent.
- New extended trading applications for hotels that schedule live music or arts and cultural events.
- Streamlined consultation processes for liquor licence applications and community feedback, reducing costs for applicants and making it quicker and easier for the community to have their say.
For more information on the reforms, visit Liquor & Gaming’s What’s Changing website.
As the new regulations come into effect the Venues Unlocked package delivers grants that support new and existing venues to host more live gigs without further impacting neighbours, through two programs:
- Soundproofing Grants will support 21 new and existing venues with up to $100,000 to help them achieve best-practice soundproofing and sound management.
- Live Performance Venue grants will support 56 venues with up to $80,000 for essential equipment, programming and marketing costs.
For more information on the grants, visit the Venues Unlocked website.