Five venues in the CBD will be able to open for longer after successfully applying for extensions.

Oxford Street’s Stonewall Hotel and The World Bar in Kings Cross join The Palace Hotel, ArtHouse Hotel (both in the CBD), and the Observer Hotel at The Rocks in being granted later opening times beyond the 1:30am Sydney lockout.

“This means five venues in the CBD and Kings Cross that are providing live entertainment are now able to serve drinks until 3.30am,” Minister for Racing, Paul Toole said.

“The later closing time for Stonewall has been approved in time for the 2017 Mardi Gras. World Bar is the first venue in Kings Cross to get an extension.

“Stonewall and World Bar demonstrated a genuine orientation towards live entertainment. Live entertainment helps provide more diverse nightlife options.

“I’m pleased there has been such a strong response from the industry to our Government’s relaxation of lockout laws.”

A further 15 applications from venues within the affected area are currently being assessed by Liquor & Gaming NSW.

Hopefully this will mark the beginning of a seachange for our city’s nightlife. At the very least, it’s half an hour longer you can spend doing the Hammer dance to the DJs at World Bar. That is a gift in itself.

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