Overview
The NSW government is taking a big step in restoring Sydney's nightlife scene, today announcing, as part of the $110 billion NSW night-time economy review, the decision to 'abolish' the final remains of the city's controversial lockout laws: the 3.30 am last drinks law.
NSW Premier Chris Minns took to Instagram to announce the decision, saying the laws, which came with good intentions, did more harm than good for Sydney's nightlife. "The lockouts had good intentions but a diabolical impact on the night-time economy and the reputation of our city. These were the laws that saw Madonna and Justin Bieber not allowed into their own afterparties."
Destination NSW
"Once we had a closer look at all the regulations restricting the NSW night-time economy, we realised the lockouts were just the tip of the iceberg. So since coming to office we've been slashing the red tape that was pushing venues out of business and stopping grown adults having fun."
"We're rebuilding the night-time economy neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood so that people right across NSW have exciting and diverse nightlife options closer to home," Minns concludes.
When the lockout laws were first enacted in 2014, over half of Sydney's music venues closed as a result of the lost business from late-night crowds. The laws initially came into effect after an increase of assaults in Kings Cross, Oxford Street and the Sydney CBD — including the 'one punch' deaths of Thomas Kelly and Daniel Christie.
Now, following a review by Liquor & Gaming NSW and the determination of a downward trend in alcohol related night-time assaults since earlier changes to the laws five years ago. The harsh conditions were found to be "no longer fit for purpose," instead, safety will be maintained through a more targeted, case-by-case approach and existing RSA requirements.
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The review does affirm that three of the existing measures will continue: the violent incident registers, preserving crime scenes and a ban on Outlaw Motorcycle Gang colours or insignia.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said, "Twelve years to the day since they were announced, we are now declaring the lockout laws have been completely abolished. I'm delighted to say goodbye to this chapter of Sydney's nightlife story."
Lead image: Getty Images