Soon, publican Robert Alexander won't have to treat customers like toddlers and tell them to sit down while they drink.
Archaic laws prohibiting punters from standing while sipping a drink on streets will be scrapped under changes announced in NSW on Wednesday.
It comes as Australia's most populous state attempts to breathe some life back into its ailing nightlife scene.
Mr Alexander's pub is well-positioned between Sydney's Central Station and the SCG but can be bogged down by red tape.
"We're on a thoroughfare ... trying to police people standing up outside costs time and money," the Carrington Hotel's general manager told reporters on Wednesday.
"(This change) gets a standing ovation."
The laws requiring patrons to be seated in alfresco environments are tied to outdoor dining provisions from the COVID-19 era.
But Premier Chris Minns said the "useless" blanket booze ban on standing and drinking was "destroying" venues and had to be dumped.
"For too long, Sydney's nightlife has been strangled by red tape," he said.
"Having an economy that fires up at 5pm during the week is critical for global cities like Sydney."
A simple approval pathway under the Liquor Act will no longer stipulate patrons must be sitting down to consume alcohol in outdoor areas.
The planned changes are part of the state Labor government's regulatory overhaul to revitalise NSW nightlife following the COVID-19 pandemic and the lingering impact of since-axed lockdown provisions.
More than a dozen councils are looking to build specialised precincts with later trading hours for businesses, extended footpath dining and relaxed noise restrictions to back live performances.
A planned change in legislation, approved by cabinet but yet to be introduced to state parliament, will also make it easier for restaurants and bars that are a reasonable distance from homes to trade later into the night.
Night-time Economy Minister John Graham said the reforms were designed to boost business confidence and let responsible adults make decisions.
"It's incredible to have to say: allow adults to choose whether they're sitting or standing as they have a drink," he said.
It follows reforms announced in October to make it easier for venues to host live events and more difficult for noise complaints to shut them down.
At least five individual noise complaints must be registered with Liquor & Gaming NSW before a venue can be asked to close.
Venues that host live music have also been allowed to trade for two hours longer under streamlined licensing laws.
