Live music is creeping back into pubs across NSW

LIVE music is making a gradual return to pubs and clubs across NSW, with a growing number of venues hosting gigs after years of decline linked to lockout laws and pandemic disruptions.

New figures show 564 venues are now accessing a state government incentives scheme aimed at boosting live performance, up from 133 before night-time economy reforms were introduced in 2023.

The program offers eligible venues an 80 per cent discount on liquor licensing fees and the option of extended trading hours on nights when live music is scheduled, subject to local planning approvals.

Regional areas are also seeing increased participation, with 158 of the registered venues located outside metropolitan centres.

Some operators have significantly expanded their live music programs, including a Brookvale brewery that has increased annual gigs from about 80 to 300 and a South Coast RSL that has more than doubled its performances.

Minister for music and the night-time economy John Graham said the changes were designed to rebuild live music culture across the state.

“We always wanted live music at the centre of the night-time economy revival and I’m very pleased to see that’s what is happening,” he said.

Live Music Venues Alliance NSW president Tyla Dombroski said reduced licensing costs and greater flexibility around trading hours had helped venues bring more artists and events back to their stages.

Night Time Industries Association chief executive Mick Gibb said making live music more viable for operators could help draw people back into pubs and support the broader hospitality sector.

The reforms have also included changes to noise complaint processes, planning rules and the removal of remaining lockout-era restrictions, alongside grant programs aimed at upgrading performance spaces.

BY STAFF WRITER