Newtown Bar Granted First 4 AM License in 100 Years

For the first time in 100 years, a Newtown bar in Sydney will be granted a 4 AM license, seven days a week. The upcoming venue is set to solidify Sydney’s 24-hour city status as it will be the suburb’s first nightlife hub to operate until late hours.

Sydney’s City Council accepted the proposal by hospitality group Odd Culture Group earlier this week. The approval granted the right to trade until 4 AM for a 400-square-meter basement venue with live music and a cocktail-forward approach. 

Odd Culture’s CEO James Thorpe called it a “defining moment” for Sydney nightlife, as it will push the 24-hour economy. Thorpe further added that it is “the first time in all of recorded history of this 4 AM licence being granted to a bar in Newtown.” 

The move fits Michael Rodrigues’ – Australia’s first 24-hour commissioner – plan to restore Sydney’s status as a global nightlife destination. According to Australia’s Good Food, Rodrigues named the bar opening as “another sign of the revitalisation of Sydney’s nightlife.” 

While Odd Culture Group remains tight-lipped about additional details for the upcoming Newtown bar, Thorpe says it will be an addition to nightlife get-togethers.