The committee overseeing a trial of relaxed late-night trading rules in Newcastle has admitted an inner-city community representative.
The Committee for Night-Time Jobs and Investment, chaired by One Nation MP Mark Latham, met for the third time on Wednesday and confirmed the trial would start on October 1.
Newcastle council voted last week to ask the committee to add Dr Anthony Cook as a member after residents had criticised its lack of a resident representative.
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Dr Cook, who has worked in hospital emergency departments, did not participate in Wednesday's meeting but expects to be involved in future talks and the evaluation of the trial.
"The local community is pleased that the considerable effort they have put in has succeeded in gaining a resident representative on this committee," he said.
"It is regrettable that my belated inclusion, even after the endorsement of the council, means that three meetings have already taken place without community representation and the trial may even have commenced before I am able to attend a meeting.
"Regardless, I look forward to genuine collaboration and providing a positive contribution."
He said it was crucial the trial was subject to expert and independent analysis.
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has placed on exhibition a proposal to vary planning laws to allow the 26 bars and restaurants participating in the six-month trial to stay open later than their council consents permit.
DPIE is inviting submissions until September 17.
The changes would allow the bars to open until 2am and restaurants to midnight, which are the standard trading hours for such venues in NSW under the Liquor Act.
The venues are also expected to be able to serve shots and cocktails until closing time under a statement of regulatory intent by Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello.
Inner-city and Hamilton bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs have operated under tighter licensing conditions introduced in 2008 to curb alcohol violence.
