Night-time Economy

‘Night time economy’ is a term often used by the City of Sydney (COS) as a euphemism for ‘extended hours trading’.

Research commissioned by the COS has shown that alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour in the 2011 postcode create a significant negative impact on  locals and visitors alike, as well as a serious drain on emergency services such as police, hospital and ambulance workers.

Despite these findings,  the COS is still strongly promoting an alcohol-based night time economy,  with Kings Cross treated as an entertainment precinct despite it being one of the most densely resident populated areas in Australia. The Council is  actively encouraging more bars, extended licensing hours and approving new DAs without addressing the consequences of the current level of saturation in the area.

Some key facts:

• Kings Cross has the highest number of antisocial behaviour events in (the study areas of) Sydney
• Kings Cross has in excess of 20,000 people in the street in the period between 1am – 2am on weekend nights

Summary of research:
COS Late night management area research summary 2011

Detail of research:
COS Late night trading management area research report 2011

The City of Sydney Council’s rationale for pushing the late night economy:
COS Late night economy webpage