Key changes under the Vibrancy Reforms

Published on 23 February 2026

Canley Vale Road, Canley Heights Town Centre.

The NSW Government’s vision for the state’s 24-hour economy is to cement NSW as a world class nightlife destination for visitors, locals and workers alike.

What are Vibrancy Reforms?

The Vibrancy Reforms are a cross-government initiative developed in consultation with key government agencies, industry, councils and stakeholders to improve the night-time economy through both legislative and policy reforms.

The legislative reforms were made through the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Act 2023 and the 24-Hour Economy Legislation Amendment (Vibrancy Reforms) Act 2023.

Building on the Vibrancy legislation passed in 2023 and 2024, this next phase continues the Government’s commitment to revitalising NSW night-time economy. The reforms aim to encourage the return of music, live performance, local street life and a vibrant night-time economy, while ensuring public safety remains a priority.

When will the Vibrancy Reforms commence?

Changes commenced 21 January 2026

Strengthening revocation powers for competency cards

The grounds for revoking competency cards have been expanded for serious offences, and new disciplinary powers for misconduct on licensed premises have been introduced. 

In addition to the existing grounds under the Liquor Regulation, the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) is now able to revoke a person’s competency card where:

  • the person has been charged with or found guilty of a sexual offence, drink spiking, or other offence listed in clause 76 of the Liquor Regulation 2018, and ILGA considers their continued employment poses a significant risk of harm to employees or patrons on the licensed premises where the person works, or
  • the person is no longer considered fit and proper to hold a competency card.

Supporting live music and performance

Reforms have been made to improve the live music and performance venue incentives, particularly in regional areas. These updates aim to better reflect the operating practices of smaller venues and support the growth of live music across NSW.

Key changes that have commenced:

  • For regional venues, the ‘dedicated room or space’ requirement has been changed so eligibility can be met by a space that is predominantly or frequently used for live music performances, rather than a purpose-built live music area. 

The following changes will take effect from 15 March 2026: 

  • Eligible performances will begin from 6pm on weeknights and after 12 noon on weekends, rather than the previous 8pm threshold. This change reflects earlier peak periods and public transport limitations in some areas.
  • Metropolitan venues will be required to host 10 live music performances per month.
  • Regional venues will be permitted to meet live music performance requirements on an annual basis (totalling 104 performances per year), rather than weekly. 

L&GNSW may request records of performances held over the year to confirm eligibility for meeting the 80% discount on liquor licence fees.

More information on venue eligibility and the application process is available on the incentives for live music and performance venues webpage.

Increased operating and trading hour flexibility

On-premises licence eligibility expanded

Venues that provide entertainment through amusement machines, such as pinball, pool tables, poker games, or jukeboxes are now able to apply for an on-premises licence.

This change has removed an outdated restriction preventing these business types from applying for an on-premises licences and reflects evolving consumer behaviour.

Applications will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

More information on On-premises licence eligibility and the application process can be found on the On-premises – liquor licence webpage.

Takeaway sales authorisation for small bars and restaurants

Licensed restaurants (including cafes) and small bars holding a takeaway sales authorisation are now permitted to sell takeaway liquor in unsealed containers. This includes small bars selling takeaway cocktails under their existing licence authorisation.

Previously, liquor sold under a takeaway authorisation was required to be in sealed containers. Removing the ‘sealed’ requirement supports outdoor dining and alfresco activation in legally permissible areas, such as shared plazas or outdoor dining zones.

More information on relevant licence types can be found at:

Outdoor dining

Fee-free permanent outdoor boundary changes

Licensed venues are able to convert a temporary outdoor dining boundary to a permanent boundary free of charge. Removing the $121 application fee will encourage venues to formalise their outdoor dining arrangements, rather than rely on repeated temporary approvals.

More information is available on the following pages:

Further changes commencing in 2026

Club authorisation to hold functions away from premises

This reform will create a pathway for registered clubs to apply for authorisation to hold functions off-site, bringing them into line with hotels, which already have this option.

This change will support clubs to host community events in partnership with sporting organisations and other groups at locations other than the club’s premises.

Key features:

  • clubs will be able to apply for off-site function authorisation
  • ID sign-in requirements for visitors will not apply for these events
  • applications will be subject to consultation with NSW Police
  • the Authority must be satisfied that the grant of an off-site function would be for the benefit of members of the club and guests of members.

This change will come into effect during 2026 (date to be determined). More information on the application process will be published at a later date.

Removal of restrictions on the use of glassware

Starting in 2026, Liquor & Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) will begin reviewing outdated licence conditions that require venues to use plastic drinkware after a specified time.

Under the reforms:

  • L&GNSW will proactively review these conditions on affected licences
  • conditions will only be removed where L&GNSW is satisfied that removal would not reasonably be expected to increase alcohol-related harm or violence
  • to make this determination, L&GNSW will consult with NSW Police on the compliance history of each venue
  • licensed premises will be notified in writing of the outcome, regardless of the decision.

Venues may continue to use plastic drinkware if they choose to do so for safety or operational reasons.

Further information will be published in 2026.

New application pathway for varying or removing certain licence conditions

Commencing in 2026, a new fee-free application pathway will be introduced to allow licensees to apply for the removal or variation of certain licence conditions that impact late-night trading activities.

This pathway will provide a clear and streamlined process for licensees to seek changes to relevant conditions, while ensuring risks are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Key features:

  • licensees may apply to L&GNSW to vary or revoke relevant conditions, regardless of whether they were imposed by L&GNSW or the Authority
  • applications will be free of charge
  • where L&GNSW considers it necessary, alternative conditions may be proposed to mitigate risks associated with removing an existing condition.

Relevant conditions include conditions that:

  • restrict the number of drinks that may be purchased in a single transaction
  • restrict the type of drinks that may be sold or supplied on the premises
  • mandates the presence of security personnel
  • impose a lockout or curfew on patron entry.

Further information will be published in 2026.

 

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