“I’d love to see Sydney embrace more dim-light cafes, late-night libraries and open-air gatherings that run late into the night,” she said.

Fellow advisory council member Arron Singh said Sydney nightlife was still very alcohol-driven and “this will only change once we integrate more arts and cultural aspects into our nightlife”.

The pool players at City Heroes pool and snooker hall on George Street in the Sydney CBD do not need alcohol to keep playing until as late as 4am, Friday to Sunday.

“We would like to provide a more friendly and more sports or pure game feel to customers,” a spokesman said. “[The] City of Sydney has got too many licensed premises anyway – people need something new.”

Xstatic Sunsets founder Jasper Vallance said his sober dance parties, such as the Wonderland event at Sydney Town Hall in October, showed people could enjoy themselves on the dance floor without the need for booze.

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However, Vallance said he was taking a break from the events to “investigate alternative funding opportunities”. “It’s a challenge for us to become financially sustainable,” he said.

The state government’s 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues pointed to a range of night-time activities for all ages and interests, such as street food in Little Korea, go-karting at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park or an escape room in Newtown.

Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger said diverse communities in western Sydney had shown the rest of the city that alcohol is not the only option at night.

“Just look at Haldon Street in Lakemba or Wigram Street in Harris Park,” he said. “They are hubs of activity focusing around dinner, desserts and late-night cafes – not alcohol.”

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Borger also backed calls for cultural venues to stay open at night.

“Opening up our libraries, art galleries and museums beyond the usual nine-to-five provides amenity and choice for those who want to enjoy cultural activities outside of daylight hours,” he said.

A spokesperson for Luna Park said that, apart from a designated licensed area, the park was alcohol-free and offered family-friendly attractions and activities until 10pm.

She said Sydney was one of the best cities in the world for alcohol-free night-time activities “whether it be bridge climb, Vivid, and of course here at Luna Park”.

“If Luna Park is anything to go by, demand is – sober nightlife has always and will continue to be strong,” she said.

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