top of page

Which small bars have been granted longer trading hours in Sydney?


In late 2016, the NSW Government announced a reform of the state's liquor licensing laws.

These changes didn't repeal Sydney's controversial lockout laws, but they did include concessions for small bars.

Small bars are now permitted to trade seven days until 2:00am. A small bar may also increase their capacity from 60 to 100 customers at any one time.

So eight months on, which small bars have applied for a 2:00am license...and which small bars have been successful?

Approved

Where: 364 Kent Street | Sydney

Art bar located in an historic building

Extended hours Fri-Sat when it trades until 2:00am

Jacoby's

Where: 154 Enmore Road | Enmore

New tiki bar located on Sydney's street of the moment

Extended hours Fri-Sat when it trades until 1:00am

Where: 209 Clarence Street | Sydney

Caribbean themed rum bar

Extended hours Mon-Sat when it trades until 1:00am

Old Mate's Place

Where: Level 4 | 199 Clarence Street | Sydney

New small bar opening soon

Extended hours granted for Mon-Sun until 2:00am

Ramblin' Rascal

Where: 199 Elizabeth Street | Sydney

Basement bar on the corner of Elizabeth and Park

Extended hours Thurs-Sat when it trades until 2:00am

Stitch Bar

Where: 61 York Street | Sydney

Basement bar with diner style food

Extended hours Thurs-Sat when it trades until 2:00am

The Swinging Cat

Where: 44 King Street | Sydney

Basement cocktail bar

Extended hours Thurs-Sat when it trades until 2:00am

Unnamed small bar #1

Where: 89 York Street | Sydney

Old Easy Eight site, entry located off Kent Street

To be operated by team behind The Barber Shop

Extended hours granted for Mon-Sun until 2:00am

Pending

Bitter Phew

Where: 1/137 Oxford Street | Darlinghurst

Craft beer bar

Extended hours sought for Mon-Sun until 2:00am

PS40

Where: 306 Kent Street | Sydney

Soda bar in a loft space accessed via Skittle Lane

Extended hours sought for Mon-Sun until 2:00am

The Wild Rover

Where: 75 Campbell Street | Sydney

Small bar on the lower slopes of Surry Hills

Extended hours sought for Mon-Sun until 2:00am

Unnamed small bar #2

Where: 330 George Street | Sydney

Tiny 30 seat bar planned in Palings Lane

Merivale will be the assumed operator

Extended hours sought for Mon-Sun until 2:00am

Rejected

Button Bar

Where: 65 Foveaux Street | Surry Hills

Council rejected a 2:00am proposal for fear of creating a new late night precinct...and that just would not be acceptable in 21st Century Sydney.

Check out the Council reports here

Stanley's

Where: 79 Stanley Street | Darlinghurst

Neither Council or NSW Police liked the idea of this small bar trading beyond 12am.

Council said:

The initial proposal to increase indoor trading hours beyond 12midnight to 2.00am does not conform with the Local Centre Trading Area permitted hours of operation and is not supported

And NSW Police said:

The application was notified to the Police who have commented on the proposal and object to the premises hours of trade being extended until 2am as it would disturb the balance achieved by the number of low impact licensed premises already located in this small section of Stanley Street (those that trade up to 12midnight) that have created a vibrant feel to the area.

Check out the Council reports here


bottom of page