Inner West Council’s trial of the State’s first special entertainment precinct on Enmore Road, in the heart of Sydney’s inner west, has been extended to July next year.
Minister for Hospitality and Racing, Kevin Anderson said the extension was a strong show of faith in the trial, which was run by Council with support from the NSW Government.
“The three-month trial was due to end on 30 November, but because of its success and popularity among businesses, artists and patrons, it will continue for a further eight months,” Mr Anderson said.
“The trial has cemented Enmore Road as one of Sydney’s leading entertainment hotspots, and has helped to boost live music opportunities.”
Eight venues participated in the extended trading as part of the trial, with more expected to join now that the extension has been confirmed.
Under the trial, participating venues that host live performances or other arts and cultural events for an additional 45-minute period after 8pm, are able to extend their liquor trading for an extra 30 minutes.
As part of the pilot, noise complaints are being managed soley by Inner West Council – who are working to streamline the noise complaint process, instead of multiple government agencies.
Owner of the Secret Garden Bar, Jacquiline Cunningham said being a part of the Special Entertainment Precinct was a privilege to help support the strip’s recently crowned title as the “coolest street in Sydney”.
“The extended live performance and trading hours is like a stamp of approval, which gave us confidence to keep our shows on for more people to enjoy later into the night,” Ms Cunningham said.
“We pride ourselves on providing for a broad range of live entertainment and we are glad to have an opportunity to create a stronger emphasis on our bar’s live performance offerings during the trial.
“We hired more artists, and with great live bands, drag shows and comedies free of charge, our bar has been ever more popular among punters. This trial has been a win for all,” she said.
In a statement, Council said the results of the trial and subsequent evaluation will determine whether an application should be made to the Department of Planning for the Special Entertainment Precinct to be made permanent.
If Council decides to make this application, an additional round of statutory consultation will be undertaken with the community, it said.
