July 2010

Concerns are being raised about attempts by a number of new bars recently approved for the stretch of Oxford Street between Flinders and South Dowling Streets to extend their trading hours beyond those permitted under the City of Sydney's Late Night Trading Development Control Plan (DCP). Under the DCP, lower Oxford Street up to Taylor Square is classified as a 'Late Night Management Area' which permits up to 24 hour trading for well managed businesses. Oxford Street beyond Taylor Square is classified as a 'Local Centre Area' with trading permitted up to a maximum of 12 midnight.

Development Applications submitted for new bars at 209, 239 and 215 Oxford Street all included requests for trading hours beyond those permitted in a Local Centre Area. The Council in all 3 cases applied the DCP consistently and granted maximum trading to 12 midnight. However, one of the developments in particular, at 215 Oxford Street, is not giving up and has submitted a new application requesting 2am trading and a significant increase in patron numbers.