The NSW Government has introduced special entertainment precincts to provide a different way for councils to manage amplified noise from licensed premises.
Councils can establish special entertainment precincts following changes to local government laws in April 2021. This allows councils to set requirements for amplified music and adopt their own plans to encourage more live music and performance venues in the precinct.
How special entertainment precincts work
A special entertainment precinct is a defined area where sound from licenced venues with amplified music is managed by a council through its noise management plan. This lets councils more easily support live music and performance in the precinct.
Any requirements on amplified music that would normally be in place under the NSW Liquor Act 2007 will not apply in the precincts, including any licence conditions on amplified music.
A council identifies a precinct by amending its local environmental plan and publishing the noise management plan on their website. A precinct may be a single venue, streetscape or other defined area.
Inner West Council trial
In late 2022, a section of Enmore Road from Edgeware Road to King Street trialled the special entertainment precinct concept.
Inner West Council developed a noise management plan under local government legislation specific to the precinct to manage amplified music from licensed venues. The trial, which has been extended until mid-2023, gives the council, venues and the community the chance to understand how changes to noise management affect the precinct and surrounding area.
You can let the council know if you support Enmore Road being permanently made a special entertainment precinct. Go to the Inner West Council website to find out more. Have your say before 1 June 2023.
For more information on establishing and operating special entertainment precincts go to:
For more information on the Inner West trial, contact Billy Cotsis, economic development team leader:
- email [email protected]
- phone 02 9392 5137.