Red tape out, good times in as ByronBay joins entertainment precinct trial

BYRON Bay is poised for a vibrant revival, with laneway festivals, street performances and footpath dining all on the horizon as the town becomes the first regional area in NSW to join the trial of a Special Entertainment Precinct.

The initiative aims to breathe new life into the town by cutting red tape for local businesses and encouraging spontaneous, creative activities – including a potential return of the town’s once-thriving busking scene.

“The fun police really got hold of it and disincentivised that sort of spontaneous and organic activity,” Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce president Matt Williamson said.

“An enormous amount of approval is required at a council level to do anything, and a reasonable amount of cost goes along with that.

“This reduces the red tape and allows entrepreneurs and business owners to more easily host and have events. There’s no end to the opportunity in front of us.”

The concept of Special Entertainment Precincts was first introduced under the Minns Labor Government as part of a broader effort to rebuild the state’s night-time economy. Enmore Road in Sydney became the first permanent precinct in 2023.

The program gives councils the power to relax trading hours and adjust sound restrictions within designated zones, allowing local businesses, venues and entertainers to thrive while also protecting them from complaints from neighbours.

The Byron Bay precinct is bounded by beachfront Bay Street, Jonson Street and the rail corridor, and Middleton and Browning streets.

Byron Shire Council has received a $162,800 grant from the NSW Government to consult businesses and the community on proposed new operating hours and noise rules.

“Byron Shire is an iconic destination, and the establishment of a trial Special Entertainment Precinct will ensure the classic days continue well into the night,” Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said.

The move has been welcomed by local businesses, including popular live music venue The Great Northern Hotel, which also has a popular duelling piano bar.

“We look forward to working collaboratively with the Council to continue to enhance Byron’s nightlife offering,” the hotel’s co-owner Justin Coleman said.