local - 2026-05-21

Manly's Night-Time Economy Gets Green Light as Council Advances Special Entertainment Precinct Trial

Northern Beaches Council votes to seek NSW Government approval for an 18-month trial that would allow Manly venues to trade later, backed by strict noise controls shaped by more than 300 community submissions

After months of community consultation and careful deliberation, Northern Beaches Council has taken a significant step toward transforming Manly's night-time landscape. Councillors voted this week to formally seek NSW Government agreement to advance a proposed 18-month trial of the Manly Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) — a planning mechanism that would allow a broader range of businesses to remain open after dark and introduce enforceable sound controls across the precinct. The proposal, expected to launch in spring if approved, aims to make Manly a more dynamic destination for evening dining and entertainment. Under the current planning framework, many venues face restrictions that limit their ability to trade late into the night. The SEP trial would ease those constraints for eligible businesses while simultaneously introducing maximum noise limits — a direct response to concerns raised by residents during the public consultation process. The community had plenty to say. Council received more than 300 submissions when it sought public feedback on the proposed trial, with many respondents calling for tighter controls on trading hours and sound levels. Council has...