The Minns Labor Government is ensuring local hospitality venues can take full advantage of the blockbuster British & Irish Lions Tour with extended late-night trading approved for two of the biggest rugby matches on the 2025 sporting calendar.
Pubs, bars and clubs across the City of Sydney will be able to trade until 1am following the Lions' clash with the Waratahs at Allianz Stadium tonight.
For the Lions v Wallabies Test at Accor Stadium on Saturday 2 August, which could decide the three-Test series, extended trading will apply to eligible venues in the City of Sydney and City of Parramatta, allowing them to stay open until 2am.
These extended hours will allow local fans and the touring Lions' supporters more time to soak up the atmosphere of these word class matches in a safe and lively way beyond the final whistle.
Lions Tours to Australia only happen once every 12 years and this year's version is expected to draw tens of thousands of interstate and international travellers, providing a major boost to the NSW economy and putting the state's world-class hospitality and entertainment offering in the global spotlight.
Special event extended trading has also been approved for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 from 23 August to 28 September so NSW fans can get together in their favourite venue to cheer on the Wallaroos in England.
Licensed venues in NSW may open and trade during the scheduled broadcast times of all Australia's matches, as well as the quarter finals, semi-finals and final, provided the game is shown live on the premises.
In addition, the Minister for Gaming and Racing has approved extended trading at eligible venues for several other events across the state, including:
- NRL Men's and Women's Grand Finals
- Bathurst 1000
- King Street Crawl, Sydney
- Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash
- Australian Darts Masters, Wollongong
- D'Vine Food and Wine Festival, Hunter Valley
- Flavours of Mudgee Street Festival
- Wimbledon Men's and Women's Finals (if an Australian is playing)
- SXSW Sydney
- New Annual Festival, Newcastle
- World Triathlon Championship, Wollongong
- Marrickville Music Festival, Sydney
- Parramatta Lanes, Western Sydney
- Balmain Festival, Sydney
- Wallabies v England Test Match.
Full details and eligibility criteria are available on the Liquor & Gaming NSW website: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/special-event-extended-trading-hours-july-to-december-2025
Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said:
"This is another step in bringing our city back to life - making sure our venues can trade late enough during big events like the Lions Tour matches.
"When tens of thousands of international rugby fans walk out of the stadium, they should step into a vibrant nightlife, not quiet empty streets.
"We want sports fans to have an amazing experience during and after the match. It's good for the city and it's good for our hospitality operators."
Acting Minister for Jobs and Tourism Kate Washington said:
"The British and Irish Lions tour will bring a major boost to the NSW visitor economy, with fans descending on Sydney from across the globe.
"They won't just be cheering in stadiums - they'll be filling hotel rooms, restaurants, pubs and shops across Sydney, soaking up everything our great city has to offer.
"Extended trading hours will give fans even more time to enjoy Sydney's legendary hospitality. It's a win for local businesses and communities, a win for visitors, and a fantastic way to showcase our city on the world stage."
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
"When major sporting events come to town, full time on the scoreboard shouldn't mean full time for the night.
"Extended trading for major events like the Lions Tour gives fans and visitors more ways to celebrate while supporting local jobs and businesses.
"It ensures the community and visitors can enjoy these important events in a safe and responsible way.
"Eligible venues intending to take advantage of the extended trading hours must ensure they continue to adhere to Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements and have appropriate measures in place to ensure the safety of their patrons.
"By extending trading hours during Australia's games at the Women's Rugby World Cup in England, the NSW Government is backing the surge in support for elite women's sport and making sure supporters don't miss a minute. "
