An outdated drinking rule in Sydney is rarely enforced, but it was just officially scrapped by the State Government in an attempt to further improve Sydney’s nighttime economy.

Picture this: you’ve grabbed an ice-cold beer at your local Sydney pub and stumble outside to join your mates in the sun. There are no seats left, so you’re left standing while sipping on your favourite brew. Until now, that would have been considered breaking the “rules.”

Announced this week, NSW Premier Chris Minns has scrapped the oddly restrictive rule as part of the State Government’s six-pronged plan to improve Sydney’s nightlife with a series of “vibrancy reforms”.

The rule, a nasty relic of COVID-induced restrictions has remained in place despite the pandemic being officially “over” as per the WHO in 2023.

Now anyone standing outside one of Sydney’s many fine watering holes and enjoying a drink in the sun can do so while standing on their two feet.

“A blanket ban on standing with a drink in hand is a red tape hangover that has no place in 2024,” said NSW Night-time Economy Minister John Graham, who has joined the NSW Government in throwing this “useless” rule exactly where it belongs: the bin.

“Adults should be trusted to choose whether they stand or sit while having a drink.”

If you are unaware that this rule exists, it’s because pubs and bars rarely enforce it unless legally required to do so to avoid unnecessary drama.

And while the rule change is rarely significant on its own, it represents the start of the NSW Government’s “second tranche” of modifications designed to boost Sydney’s nighttime economy and transform the way the city’s nightlife operates.

The plan was announced in October 2023, promising a series of reforms and new frameworks to position once again position Sydney as a vibrant global city. More reforms will be announced over the coming months, relaxing restrictions and pushing for a vibrant, diverse and inclusive night-time economy.

Murmurs of a 24-hour transit system have been swirling around Sydney’s media circuit for a while, and we’ve already seen a boost to al fresco dining with Sydney’s progressive Open Streets program.

The first stage of the government’s plan also addressed rules around noise complaints and zoning for Special Entertainment Precincts such as YCK Laneways, which was the first area to be stamped with a Purple Flag.

Ready to get our nightlife back on track? Check out our guide of 50+ places to party in Sydney.

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