Inner-city restaurants will have trading hours extended to midnight, and small bars can trade until two am under a trial aimed at boosting the Newcastle night-time economy.
Council voted, on Tuesday night, to support the trial outlined in the City Of Newcastle’s After Dark Strategy which was adopted in 2018.
27 restaurants and small bars across the city, including 5 Sawyers, Scratchleys on the Wharf, Grain Store, Babylon, The Signal Box, MEET, and Valerie’s Pizza Parlour have opted to be a part of the proposed trial which is set to commence in October.
“Newcastle’s night-time economy has undergone significant changes over the past 15 years. We acknowledge that for Newcastle to thrive as a diverse and vibrant City, our night-time economy must be strong.” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“The hospitality and creative industries have also struggled in the wake of COVID-19 with job losses, income reduction and loss of revenue because of the impacts of Public Health Orders, restrictions to venue capacities and a general reluctance for people to attend public places.
“We hope to see a positive outcome from the trial for these industries through increased night-time economic development, cultural participation and activation in our City.”
Deputy Mayor Declan Clausen was also successful in moving a resoltuion to support the installation on an independent inner-city resident representative on the Committee For Night Time Jobs and Investment.
The resolution will also see Council write to Minister For Customer Service Victor Dominello, to request Newcastle based Liquor Licensing Compliance Officers be re-instated to assist in overseeing proposed licensing regulatory changes and gather data during the Night-Time Economy Trial.
Scratchelys owner Neil Slater welcomed the trial.
“These changes to the night-time economy are all part of a revitalised Newcastle precinct,” he said.
“The trial will allow for a more sophisticated Newcastle that has matured and is ready to take our place as one of the great cities of Australia.”
The trial will run from October 2020 to April 2021.
