Northern Beaches Council is nominating Manly to trial a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) to reduce red tape and encourage a safer, more vibrant night life.

The SEP framework, introduced by the NSW Government as part of its Vibrancy Reforms, allows councils to support live entertainment in designated areas where both licensed and unlicensed businesses can operate under extended trading hours and streamlined noise management controls.

The SEP is aligned with the strategic vision for Manly in the Manly Place Plan, adopted in 2024, ensuring the precinct develops in a way that supports the broader goals for Manly’s future as a vibrant, sustainable and thriving centre.

Council will seek grant funding from the NSW Government's Special Entertainment Precinct Kickstart Grant Program to support the establishment of the trial. If successful, the trial will commence in mid-2026 and run for 18 months.

In preparation for the trial acoustic assessments will be conducted to guide the development of a precinct management plan that will include matters such as standards for sound emissions and standard trading hours, and compliance management.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the trial was a good opportunity to support local business.

“Through implementing this trial Council aims to boost the local economy, support our live music and entertainment venues, and create a more vibrant, safe and diverse night-time experience for residents and visitors alike, while ensuring noise is kept to a reasonable level.

“Enmore Road has been transformed through a similar initiative and Manly, with its unique local character, accessibility and iconic destination status is an ideal location for a similar trial.

“We want to see Manly flourish as a premier destination for entertainment, dining, and culture, while ensuring the right balance between business success and community amenity.

“This trial will allow us to tailor noise management and trading hours, giving businesses certainty and residents confidence that live entertainment will be well-managed.

"We are committed to working closely with the community, local businesses, NSW Police and other key stakeholders to test the viability of this initiative," Mayor Heins said.

If the grant application is successful, a working group will be established involving a diverse group of representatives from the entertainment and live music industry, local businesses, community groups, NSW Police, NSW Liquor & Gaming and other key stakeholders to inform the preparation and implementation of the SEP trial.

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