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.
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