The boss of the city’s biggest club has welcomed a move from the State Government to scrap a rule that requires people living within five kilometres of a venue to become a member when attending.
Under the current legislation residents who live within five kilometres of their local club must sign up as a member and usually pay a membership fee, demonstrate a membership of a similar club elsewhere or attend as the guest of an existing member while those living outside the five kilometres of the Club can sign in freely as visitors.
“It is great news because if you live within five kilometres of the club you have got to be a member before you can go through the door,” Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher said.
“When you have big crowds after football matches and so forth, you get a long line-up and this just takes all the red tape out of the whole thing.”
Fletcher said there’s no doubt it will streamline the entry process for the clubs, though there will still be monitoring of who is coming into the venue.
“You’ve still got to show your licence to get in or if you are a member show your badge but it will free things up enormously and make life a lot easier at the front counter,” he said.
The rule being scrapped comes as part of the Vibrancy Reforms that are expected to be introduced into State Parliament next month.
These reforms will also see the rule that prevented patrons from standing while drinking outside in a licenced premises thrown out.
Minister for Music and Night-Time Economy John Graham said by removing the rule more locals are expected to enjoy their clubs without being forced to be members.
“Red tape that gets in the way of people in NSW enjoying themselves for no discernible benefit will continue to go in the shredder under the Minns Labor Government,” Graham said.
“It has been an unwanted rite of passage for so many to be stuck in bureaucratic limbo over membership at the entry to a club when all you want to do is go inside for a drink and a meal.
“Scrapping the five kilometre rule is just the start of our next round of reforms to reboot the nightlife and vibrancy of the state which are all about boosting the night-time economy, treating adults like adults and stripping back redundant red tape.”
Clubs NSW CEO Rebecca Riant expects the rule change to have a positive impact on clubs.
“We have long advocated for this change, so this is fantastic news for our industry,” she said.
“It’s about providing clubs with the choice, and for many clubs – particularly golf and sailing clubs who have social membership caps – this will make a huge difference.”
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.