Business owners and operators will get to have their say on Kiama's evening and twilight trading through a Night-Time Economy Forum.

Kiama Council has announced the forum will be held on Monday 2 June from 3.30pm to 5pm, downstairs, at The Pavilion in Kiama.

Council staff and representatives from the NSW Government’s Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, want to explore with local business owners how Kiama can responsibly and sustainably grow its after-dark economy.

While Council was unsuccessful in its recent Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) Kickstart Grant application to establish a SEP in Kiama, there remains a strong appetite to support local businesses that are interested in expanding their night-time operations.

“There’s little point changing the rules for businesses that don’t want to stay open later – but for those that do, we can support that ambition,” said Sally Bursell, Council’s tourism and economic development manager.

The session will explore key themes such as trading conditions, planning and licensing opportunities, cultural activation, safety, and what local enablers or barriers currently exist.

Council is aiming to build a vibrant night life while preserving Kiama’s unique charm and community amenity.

Tourism and Economic Development Committee chair Matt Brown said the forum would bring together a cross-section of voices from Kiama’s business, hospitality, cultural and tourism sectors to help shape a shared vision for a vibrant, safe and sustainable night-time economy.

“We know that Kiama has incredible potential to strengthen its twilight economy – not just for visitors, but for the benefit of our community, our creatives, and our small businesses,” Cr Brown said.

This local initiative is part of Council’s broader engagement with the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms and the work of the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, which seeks to support councils, businesses and the community to build vibrant, diverse, inclusive and safe 24-hour economies across NSW. The outcome of this forum will also feed into the Council’s Visitor Economy Strategy.

Anyone interested in attending does not need to register, just turn up and share their thoughts.