HUNTER hotels are among those who will shed licence conditions under a state government pitch to revive live music at venues around the state.
Hamilton's Bennett Hotel will lose the limitation that prevented it from providing any form of live entertainment on the premises, the Berejiklian government announced on Thursday, while Nelson Bay's Sea Breeze Hotel will no longer be bound by a clause that kept entertainment limited to parts of the pub and before 11.30pm.
Changes are also mooted for Central Coast venues including Wyong Rugby League Club, Toukley RSL Sub-Branch Club and the Coast Hotel at Budgewoi.
The pubs are among 30 that NSW Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said would help rekindle a vibrant and diverse night life without the "archaic restrictions.
"Some of the greatest bands of all time started their careers in NSW including AC/DC and Midnight Oil," he said.
"This is another boost for the state's night time economy, following the introduction of the new [Sydney] lockout laws last month."
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the changes would have real impact on the night-time economy.
"The changes mean some venues can now host gigs for the first time in many years, while others can offer a broader range of music styles," he said.
"It's great news for both fans and performers of live music."
The government said police, councils and neighbours were invited to comment on the proposed removal of the conditions.
