While workers are being ordered back to the office, helping fill CBDs, the state's night time economy is still struggling. The government's mining Opal and banking data to track our movements after dark. And rather than a big night out, it seems more people are opting for a takeaway meal and a "night in."
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00:00From the bright lights of New York, to the buzzing streets of Tokyo, some cities seem
00:07to get even better after dark.
00:09While Sydney may not have the same fame, the International Nightlife Association says the
00:14harbour city still has lots to celebrate.
00:17My experience of those places, without a doubt Sydney is ranked up there with them, if not
00:22above them in many respects.
00:24But new data shows the state's night-time economy is under pressure.
00:28Adjusted for inflation, night-time spending was down 11 per cent in the June quarter,
00:33and down 6 per cent compared with the year before.
00:36Workers have been ordered back to the office, and Opal data suggests they're heeding the
00:41call with the monthly number of CBD trips back at pre-pandemic levels.
00:46But it seems they're less likely to splash cash on late-night shopping or after-work drinks.
00:52Given the pressure from interest rates on the Sydney mortgage market, that is the reality.
00:58Across the state, the number of gambling venues fell in the last year, and there was a minor
01:02drop-off in the number of pubs and bars too.
01:06There was modest growth in performing arts spaces, and a clear increase in sport and
01:10recreation facilities, but the biggest growth of all was enjoyed by takeaway shops.
01:15One of the challenges, if I'm being honest, because it suggests that people are maybe
01:19sitting at home, my job is to get people out off the couch having fun in the city.
01:23The government plans to keep releasing this data, but that means it will be judged on
01:27the effectiveness of its new vibrancy reforms.
01:30They're designed to boost outdoor drinking and dining, encourage live music, and discourage
01:35noise complaints.
01:36The government hoping the new laws will be just the shake-up this industry needs.