Shining a light on Harbour safety during Vivid Sydney
Safety on the water will be a priority for NSW Government Liquor and Gaming Inspectors as hundreds of party boats and luxury yachts take to Sydney Harbour during Vivid Sydney 2022.
Over the course of Vivid Sydney, Liquor & Gaming NSW will be inspecting licensed vessels and nearby venues in Sydney Harbour to keep people safe by ensuring compliance with responsible service of alcohol.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade and Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said Vivid Sydney will transform the Harbour City from Friday 27 May to Saturday 18 June, with more than 200 events.
“From Central Station to Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo or out on the Harbour, Vivid Sydney provides visitors the chance to enjoy and celebrate our incredible city through a symphony of 3D-light projections, exhilarating live music performances and discussions from the world’s brightest minds,” Mr Ayres said.
“If you think you’ve experienced Vivid Sydney before, think again. This year’s program contains new venues, cutting edge artists, immersive events, unmissable performances and sensational experiences so get out and enjoy Sydney at its brightest and best.”
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said with crowds returning to Vivid for the first time in three years it was vital people visiting the Harbour are able to do so safely.
“We know Vivid increases activity on the Harbour and while we all like to enjoy ourselves during these great events, Liquor and Gaming inspectors will be focusing their compliance efforts on licensed vessels and nearby venues to ensure people have fun in a safe way,” Mr Anderson said.
Licensed hospitality venues in the CBD, The Rocks, Barangaroo and Potts Point will also be able to trade until midnight, instead of 10pm on Sundays as part of a NSW Government initiative to support the sector.
“This NSW Government initiative will give additional support to businesses by enabling them to keep their lights on for longer so thousands more people can experience the great hospitality Sydney has to offer,” Mr Anderson said.
Steve Speed, owner of The Push Bar in The Rocks, said events like Vivid bring people to the area, including young families, and extended trading gives them a chance to get out and wander around without being worried about getting in and out of a venue before close.”
“We do need to get people back into the CBD. There are a lot of venues still closed, so extending trading is a huge help,” Mr Speed said.