The Minns Labor Government is giving fans the chance to enjoy early-morning matches and provide a boost to local hospitality venues with extended trading hours for licensed venues statewide during the FIFA World Cup.

The biggest and most watched sporting event on the planet is being played in the US, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July, with 48 nations competing for the Cup.

Pubs, clubs and bars statewide can operate extended hours when they broadcast Australian group stage matches, all the knockout rounds (16 and 32) and the finals.

There are also two free public live sites operating, Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour and Cathy Freeman Park at Sydney Olympic Park.

Both will host live broadcasts of every Socceroos match on giant screens, beginning with Australia vs Türkiye on 14 June at 2pm (AEST), USA vs Australia on 20 June at 5am, and Paraguay vs Australia on 26 June at 12pm.

Finals matches are also scheduled at Tumbalong Park from 10 July through to 20 July, including quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final.

Extended trading will also apply to licensed premises when the Darling Harbour live site screens afternoon games. This applies to the City of Sydney local government area, including Sydney, Pyrmont, Ultimo, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Haymarket, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Dawes Point, Millers Point, Elizabeth Bay, Potts Point, Rushcutters Bay and Woolloomooloo.

This is part of the NSW Government’s Special Event Extended Trading initiative, which allows venues to trade outside regular times during major cultural and sporting events. It is just one of several measures supporting the government’s broader Vibrancy Reforms aimed at enhancing the night-time economy in NSW, catering to industry and consumer needs.

The extended trading covers on-premises alcohol service only, not takeaway, and venues cannot operate gaming machines unless already authorised to do so.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: “The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event on the planet and expected to draw strong crowds to venues across NSW, supporting the NSW Government’s commitment to a safe, vibrant and responsible night-time economy during major global events.

“Extended trading hours mean fans can come together and enjoy ‘the beautiful game’ while supporting local venues.

“With many World Cup games screening in the early hours of the morning, this is a great opportunity for fans to get together at their local pub or club, get behind the Socceroos and hopefully celebrate some big wins.

“These extended hours also provide a vital boost to our hospitality industry, a key pillar of our night-time economy, by enabling venues to serve more patrons, create more jobs and increase business activity.

“Venues operating under extended hours must continue to meet responsible service of alcohol requirements and put the right measures in place to keep patrons safe.”

Australian Hotels Association NSW, Director of Policy Chris Gatfield said: “Sydney is a vibrant, international city. There are a lot of football fans here, both homegrown and visiting from overseas, and the extended hours mean they won’t miss a moment of the action.

“We’re particularly pleased hotels will also be able to apply to trade earlier or later for the group matches through an application process.

“Get out of the cold and into a venue – there’s no better place to watch the World Cup than down at the local with your mates.”

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