The NSW Government is extending its trading hours for the third Lions Test in Sydney. Photo: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
LIONS RUGBY WATCH
STATE governments are lining up to cash in on the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia by extending licensed trading hours and organising fan days.
Up to 40,000 UK Lions fans are believed to be travelling with the Lions team on their nine-match tour.
The extra fans have bumped crowd attendances at the games that have already been played, including a Wednesday match, in Perth, Queensland and Sydney.
(The Lions play the Brumbies in Canberra tonight.)
SA WILLING TO EXTEND HOURS
South Australia is to extend trading hours for venues in Adelaide’s CBD and Glenelg this Saturday with the Lions due to play an Anzac team (AUNZ) at the cricket oval.
Venues will be able to stay open later and open earlier but will need to apply for a short-term licence by emailing the hours they want; all fees will be waived, the government says.
The government is expecting 15,000 interstate and overseas fans to attend the game.
SA Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels says they want to ensure hotels, bars and restaurants can take full advantage of the crowds.
“We are making it really easy for venues to open for longer – at no additional cost – so they can accommodate more fans to watch the match on TV or go out for a meal or a drink after the game.”
Australian Hotel Association Chief Executive Anna Moeller says the event is a “much welcome boost” to the industry during its quieter winter months.
NSW RESTRICTIONS EASED
Having extended hours for the Lions-NSW game, trading hours for the third Lions-Wallabies Test in Sydney on Saturday, August 2, will extend to 2am for venues in Sydney CBD and Parramatta, the NSW Government says.
Extended trading has also been approved for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 (in England) from August 23 to September 28.
The government says licensed venues will remain open during the scheduled live broadcast times of all Australia’s matches, as well as the quarter finals, semi-finals and final.
NSW Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham says the decision is “another step” in bringing the city back to life at night.
“When tens of thousands of rugby fans walk out of the stadium, they should step into a vibrant nightlife, not quiet empty streets,” he says.
“We want sports fans to have an amazing experience during and after the match.”
Acting Minister for Jobs and Tourism Kate Washington says travelling Lions fans will bring a major boost to the NSW visitor economy.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris says that “full time on the scoreboard shouldn’t mean full time for the night”.
“Eligible venues intending to take advantage of the extended trading hours must ensure they continue to adhere to Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements and have appropriate measures in place to ensure the safety of their patrons.”
VICTORIA PREPARES
The Victorian Government is putting on fan days as it prepares to host two games back-to-back: a game against an indigenous/Pasifika invitational side on July 22 and the second Test, on July 26, at the MCG.
The government says it made $90 million off the last Lions tour to Australia, in 2013, and attracted nearly 25,000 interstate and overseas visitors; it says it is on track to better that result this time.
The Lions traditionally tour Australia every 12 years, alternating with South Africa and New Zealand.
The next Lions men’s tour is scheduled for New Zealand in 2029 although they are due to host a Lions women’s tour in September 2027.
