Racing Minister Paul Toole has granted hotels in the Newcastle local government area the ability to trade between 10pm and midnight on Sunday after the Supercars weekend concludes. 

Blanket extensions can be approved for events of regional, state or national significance, and have been approved for major sports events like the FIFA World Cup in the past. 

Australian Hotels Association Newcastle and Hunter president Rolly De With said the “moderate” extension followed a request from AHA NSW and recognised the good behaviour at last year’s event.

He said hotels that usually close at 10pm in Newcastle, Stockton, and other suburbs where people would migrate to after the race, would benefit from the extension. 

“Last year’s Supercars race was the first event in Newcastle and the Minister has said the decision to grant extended trading this year is due to the excellent behaviour of that crowd,” he said.

“As has been shown recently in Bathurst, which already has extended trading following its own race, race-goers who are staying in town want to be able to get a meal or a few drinks once the event has finished.”

Mr De With said race fans should enjoy the extra trading hours but remember authorities will be frequenting venues to ensure appropriate levels of compliance. 

“We know there’ll be a heightened level of compliance, so licensees need to ensure they have measures in place to cope with additional crowds coming in for a meal or a few drinks with friends to celebrate the end of the Supercars championship for 2018,” he said. 

“The extended trading is a privilege  – patrons taking advantage of the extra two hours need to ensure their behaviour doesn’t put that in jeopardy.”

The extended trading is for the sale of liquor for on-premises consumption only.