Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

NSW Government removes ‘5km Club rule’

NSW Government removes ‘5km Club rule’
September 24, 2024

The NSW Government has scrapped the antiquated rule that prevents people living within five kilometres of a Club from signing in without first becoming a member.

Under current legislation, residents living within 5kms of their local club must sign up as a member and typically pay a membership fee, demonstrate membership of a similar club elsewhere, or attend as the guest of an existing member.

The current restrictions reduce the likelihood of people regularly attending their local Club, or even trying it out for the first time - while those living beyond 5kms can freely sign in as visitors.

The 5km rule has been responsible for unexpected paperwork over the years for people just wanting to enter their local Club or RSL for a meal or beverage and the removal of the rule is expected to encourage more locals to enjoy their nearby Clubs before choosing whether or not to become a member.

Consigning the 5km rule to history is part of the next tranche of commonsense Vibrancy Reforms to be introduced to Parliament next month. This includes the removal of the outdated restrictions that prevented patrons from standing while drinking outside a licenced premises.

Clubs will still be able to attract new members with member-only incentives and access to their many facilities such as gyms and swimming pools.

The first round of Vibrancy Reforms:

  • Permanently relaxed the rules for outdoor dining, allowing venues to make the most of their outdoor space
  • Ended single noise complaints from shutting down pubs and other licensed venues
  • Made it easier to activate streets for festivals and events (Open Streets program) and a regulatory model that allows streamlined approvals for repeat events (Permit, Plug, Play)
  • Expanded Special Entertainment Precincts that empower local councils to change the rules around noise and opening hours in a designated area to support live entertainment and nightlife
  • Increased incentives for live music and live performance, with two hours extended trading and an 80% reduction in liquor licence fees for licensed venues offering live music and performance
  • Created easier pathways for extended trading hours for major events like the Olympics and World Cups.

NSW Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham noted “Red tape that gets in the way of people in NSW enjoying themselves for no discernible benefit will continue to go into the shredder under the Minns Labor Government.

“It has been an unwanted rite of passage for so many to be stuck in bureaucratic limbo over membership at the entry to a Club when all you want to do is go inside for a drink and a meal.

“Scrapping the 5km rule is just the start of our next round of reforms to reboot the nightlife and vibrancy of the state which are all about boosting the night-time economy, treating adults like adults and stripping back redundant red tape.” 

Clubs NSW Chief Executive Rebecca Riant added “we have long advocated for this change, so this is a fantastic outcome for our industry.

“It’s about providing clubs with the choice, and for many clubs — particularly golf and sailing clubs who have social membership caps — this will make a huge difference.’

Related Articles

24th September 2024 - Queensland Government appoints John Collins as first Night-Life Economy Commissioner

13th August 2024 - Extended night-time business hours proposed for more vibrant, safer Bondi Junction precinct

2nd July 2024 - Parramatta’s night-time economy to benefit from 24/7 opening opportunities

19th June 2024 - NSW budget backs arts, night-time economy and tourism

16th April 2024 - ACT Government commits to boosting Canberra’s night-time economy

4th July 2023 - New guidelines introduced to boost Melbourne’s night-time economy

28th April 2023 - $200,000 grants for Western Sydney arts and cultural venues to stay open at night

22nd September 2022 - Australian night-time economy report spotlights Hobart’s strong performance


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

 

Altitude Training Systems

ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology

 
 

Exerp

Exerp is a global IT specialist in member management software for the fitness and leisure industry. By focusing on the needs of large enterprises, where streamlining, control and scalability are…

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

WATERPLAY Solutions Corp

Whether your goal is increasing your centre's revenues or creating an engaging environment, why not add play to your project? If you're looking for stylish aquatic play features, kid-tested…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Recreation / Waterparks

 
 

Jonas Leisure

Jonas Software operates over 110 independently managed software brands around the world, providing them with the strategic guidance and financial security required to be leaders in their respective…

read more

Aquatics / Billing / Fitness / Recreation / Sport

 
 

Advanced Aquarium Technologies

Advanced Aquarium Technologies (AAT) is a world leader in the design, construction, and operation of landmark public aquariums. Led from Queensland, AAT has delivered aquarium projects in over 25…

read more

Attractions / Consultants / Design / Parks / Zoos

 
 

Worldwide Sports Management

Principal Consultant Simon Weatherill has spent the last 20 years developing the world renowned Melbourne Sports Hub, as former Chief Executive Officer of the State Sports Centres Trust…

read more

Aquatics / Consultants / Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 

Again Faster

ABOUT Again Faster is a Brisbane based, Australian owned supplier of strength and conditioning and functional fitness equipment. With nearly 10 years experience in the Australian market, we are…

read more

Fitness / Recreation

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business