This year, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve both fall on a Sunday, so special arrangements have been made by the NSW Government to allow for extended liquor trading hours on these days.
Packaged liquor outlets, hotels, clubs and other venues currently able to sell takeaway liquor until 10.00 pm on Sundays will be able to continue takeaway sales until 11.00 pm this Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, Sunday 24 December and Sunday 31 December 2017 respectively, but only if they are currently able to trade until that time on other days, from Monday through to Saturday, and permitted by their development consent.
This change complements existing special arrangements for packaged liquor licences, which can already begin trading earlier from 8.00 am when Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday. These special Sunday trading arrangements provide consumers with extra time to make purchases ahead of celebrations on Christmas Day, when no retail liquor trading is permitted.
Additionally, all hotels, clubs, bars and restaurants can also trade until 2.00 am (or later, if previously approved) on New Year’s Eve regardless of more restrictive Sunday night closing times that may apply under development consents.
Finally, the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross restriction on patrons being admitted to venues after either 1.30 am or 2.00 am does not apply on New Year’s Eve.
We highly recommend reviewing the specific changes for the Christmas and New Year period to ensure compliance with the law, as well as provide longer trading hours and more convenience for your customers.
The full details of the changes can be found here on pages 3 & 4 of Liquor & Gaming NSW’s Fact Sheet: Easter and Christmas liquor trading hours 2017. Nevertheless, all licensees should review the conditions that apply to their licence. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Enjoy the holiday festivities and have a very happy, safe new year.
Original media release can be found here.