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City of Parramatta strongly supports small scale and pop-up venues as part of a diverse and vibrant night time economy, and as a way of trialling various business ventures or activities.
Small bars
(Back to top)The City of Parramatta encourages a mix of licensed venues big and small, such as small bars to support a diverse and vibrant night city with great experiences for all.
Small bars are licensed venues with a patron capacity up to 120 people.
It is important to find out whether development consent is required where you propose to establish a small bar.
If development consent is not required because the premises has existing development approval and conditions of consent are not required to be changed, applicants can apply for a small-bar licence directly with NSW Liquor and Gaming.
However, if development consent is required for the premises, you must lodge a development application (DA) with Council.
Parramatta CBD Small Bars Policy
In April 2017, Council endorsed a Parramatta CBD Small Bars Policy to support the diversification of the licensed venues offering in Parramatta, providing a consistent approach to the assessment of applications for small bar premises (under 120 patrons);
Important things to consider
Liquor licence applications to NSW Liquor and Gaming, applications for outdoor dining and/or street activity applications to the City can be submitted at the same time, but approval will be provided until any development consents required have been obtained.
Pop-up liquor and event licences
(Back to top)On 1 March 2019, NSW Liquor and Gaming began a 12-month trial of a new liquor licence for pop-up bars and events in seven Sydney precincts, to help activate and revitalise indoor and outdoor spaces and diversify the night-time economy.
The pop-up bar and event licences enable pop-up bar or events such as pop-up restaurants, live entertainment or art shows within the entirety of the City of Parramatta LGA, for up to 6 weeks.
Please note: the pop-up events and liquor licenses do not negate the need for a development application, where currently required.
Get in touch
To find out whether you need a development application for your proposed activity, you can get in touch with Council's Night Time Economy Officer on NTE@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
Get support
(Back to top)Council has dedicated officers with expertise in night time businesses and can assist you in gathering information about how to start a venture in the City of Parramatta.
If you have any questions you can get in touch with our Night Time Economy Officer on NTE@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au.
