Restaurants and licensed venues will be able to serve alcohol for an extra hour during Gold Coast 2018 ©Getty Images

Restaurants and licensed venues will be able to serve alcohol for an extra hour during this year's Commonwealth Games in the Gold Cost to accommodate late night events and showcase the city’s nightlife.

The decision was announced by Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones, with the extended times potentially set to benefit 162 licenced cafes and restaurants in Gold Coast.

They will be able to serve alcohol until 1am or 2am from April 3 to 17, while licenced venues in Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise Safe Night Precincts would be able to serve between 1am or 4am, depending on their existing licence.

"Giving all venues an extra hour liquor trading will allow more local businesses to make the most of our biggest event this decade," Jones said.

"We’ve consulted with tourism chiefs and City of Gold Coast, listened to local businesses and heeded community concerns and believe we’ve found the perfect balance for Games time.

"We want to cater for international tourists accustomed to a late night dining culture and ensure visitors can experience all that is great about the Gold Coast.

"With a massive sports programme and the Queensland’s biggest ever arts and culture festival the Gold Coast will come alive for the Commonwealth Games.

"These extended hours will be automatic - there’ll be no need for businesses to apply for extended liquor licenses and there’ll be no expense involved."

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones confirmed the move to grant extra opening hours ©Getty Images
Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones confirmed the move to grant extra opening hours ©Getty Images

Venues located in the Safe Night Precincts will also have the ability to apply to stay open even longer if they choose to use their allocation of special permits.

The extra temporary hour permits can be applied for, with the Opening Ceremony among the days included.

The late night sports programme on April 13 is set to be another included.

Should they be granted the temporary permit, venues may be able to serve alcohol until 5am.

Application fees the late night permits are set to be waived.

International athletes attending the Games will be able to use their accreditations to enter licenced venues in the Safe Night Precincts.

Scanner manufacturers have been provided with a full list of all 70 nations competing in the Games, with ID scanning only required after 10pm.

Venues who don’t currently require ID scanners will not need to install them for the Games.

The Games are due to take place from April 4 to 15.