Sydney scraps no standing rules at bars, and they’re celebrating with cheap drinks
Stand up for your right to drink on the pavement
Sydney is finally scrapping its no-standing rule and these venues are celebrating with special deals that will keep you on your toes… literally.
And to celebrate, some venues are putting on special deals (some beyond the regular happy hour offers) to get you back on your feet.
From Thursday, 1st October, it’s officially legal again to stand outside of a venue and drink. You don’t need to have a table or chair, which is great news as we’re going into the warmer months when the beer gardens and street seats are harder to come by.
One of the few remaining COVID-19 era rules, we haven’t been able to legally stand and drink outside since 2020. The rule change has been a long time coming. Back in 2024, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said “For too long Sydney’s nightlife has been strangled by red tape.. We’re fixing this by removing the restrictions destroying entertainment venues, tackling the housing crisis head on and helping the city get back on its feet.”
The restriction affected City of Sydney suburbs including the CBD, Darlinghurst, Glebe, Newtown, Paddington, Redfern and Surry Hills.
Here’s where to grab a street-drink this evening
The Surry Hills pub is offering $7 schooners and $10 pints during the Sydney, Stand Up hour. Stand on the pavement of Crown Street with a cheap drink from 4pm-6pm on Thursday, 1st October and Friday 2nd October.
- Good for
This one may not actually be at street level, but in solidarity Shell house is discounting beers to $7 for schooners and $10 for pints during 4pm-6pm on Thursday, 1st October and Friday 2nd October. Pair this with other happy hour deals like $10 martinis and loster rolls nad you've got yourself a great evening.
- Good for
In the chic 25 Martin Place precinct, The International is serving up $7 schooners and $10 pints from 4pm-6pm on Thursday, 1st October and Friday 2nd October. This overlaps with happy hour, which has snacks from $5 or cocktails from $12.
- Good for
The spacious Surry Hills pub is making the most of its outoor space along Goulburn Street with $7 schooners and $10 pints from 4pm-6pm on Thursday, 1st October and Friday 2nd October.
- Good for
