THERE mightn’t be any fireworks, but live music, a pop of champagne and a touch of gold will help the city ring in the new year tomorrow night. As the region counts down to 2018, industry heads are encouraging party-goers to celebrate responsibly.
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Tamworth Liquor Accord chairman Ian Dundon said people were usually well-behaved on the annual holiday, but the key was to plan ahead.
“We always encourage people to put plans in place and have a designated driver,” Mr Dundon said.
“Take it easy because it is a long night. People generally have partied responsibly in the past.”
Mr Dundon said his pub, The Longyard, along with most others across the region, would be taking advantage of statewide legislation changes that wouldn’t cut this year’s celebrations short.
Following the discovery that Sunday liquor trading laws would affect New Year’s Eve parties across the state, emergency legislation was enacted.
A Department of Planning and Environment spokesman said laws were now in place to ensure everyone could enjoy New Year’s Eve until 2am on January 1.
“When we discovered this glitch in the legislation, the Department acted immediately, to ensure the party can go on after the calendar clicks over to 2018,” the spokesman said.
“With the amendment now finalised, it means businesses and revellers can plan their New Year’s Eve with the surety that they can welcome in 2018 with a glass of champagne.”
Under the existing arrangements, trading was generally limited to 10pm.
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The Cattleman Steakhouse is offering a three-course meal with champagne cocktail on arrival, with Kerry Walsh and Mike Casey performing from 7.30pm, at $35 per head.
At The Longyard, Michael Bryers and Mike Vee will entertain from 4pm as party-goers count down to 2018.
Hopscotch Bar and Restaurant will host a Pop The Bubble set menu, with a drink on arrival, a choice of four entrees and four mains, and a dessert tasting plate to finish for $85 a ticket.
The Tamworth Hotel’s Solid Gold Disco Party will include cocktails and canapes on arrival, free champagne for the countdown, live entertainment and an appearance from a famed clairvoyant at the cost of a $60 ticket.
There will be live music at some of Tamworth’s other pubs and clubs and, regionally, Armidale will have its annual New Year’s Eve party.