Adelaide’s controversial 3am lockout rules to be reviewed amid calls for patron bans to be scrapped

The city’s controversial liquor licensing laws will be reviewed as businesses scramble to recover from Covid limits.

The city’s controversial liquor licensing laws will be reviewed amid community calls for the 3am lockout to be scrapped.

The former Labor state government launched a tough “Late Night Code” almost a decade ago to tackle drunken violence in the city, especially in the West End.

But struggling Hindley St traders, landlords and industry leaders – subjected to Covid density and other restrictions – want the lockout scrapped, along with a wider review into the booze laws.

The state’s liquor watchdog will now re-examine the code that was introduced in October 2013 and which stops city patrons moving between licensed venues from 3.01am until 7am.

Pubs and nightclubs are also subject to other strict laws on serving alcohol and must have increased security and patron supervision.

Patrons are banned from entering venues, such as on Hindley St, after 3am. Picture Dean Martin

Consumer and Business Services figures show five complaints about potential breaches were recorded since 2016.

A planned review, the first since 2015, was last year shelved because of the pandemic.

The laws, which authorities say have controlled rates of assaults, violence and other anti-social behaviour, only allow patrons to enter Adelaide Casino or an approved restaurant after 3am.

Similar rules were dumped in Sydney earlier this year.

Lawyer Tony Tropeano, a local advocate for 40 years, said SA’s lockout was unfair on venues.

He also criticised city authorities for dirty streets and showing “little care” for the area.

“This will be a tourist point and appealing to the demographic the state is trying to attract,” he said.

“South Australia is the only state to have a lockout. There is no evidence it is reducing crime. “It is the only area without a long-term plan. Tourism is the world’s fastest growing industry.”

Friday evening in Hindley St, looking empty due to Covid restrictions, November 2020. Picture Dean Martin

A spokesman for the Polites Group, lawyer Greg Griffin, said lockout rules were of “no benefit whatsoever”.

“Venues are finding it hard to recover from Covid restrictions and various lockdowns and this roadblock is still in place, which is unfair on honest traders,” he said.

“Public safety actually improves by allowing people into venues because there is security inside the venue, which also has to abide by strict rules. It is nonsensical.”

Australian Hotels Association SA chief executive Ian Horne said a review should investigate its application, cost and severity.

“This to ensure they add value to the late night economy and experience not simply being a costly administrative burden that serves no particular purpose,” he said.

“Most late night traders who are predominantly CBD-based have struggled to stay afloat over 2½ years of Covid. Many haven’t.

“It would seem that the late night entertainment precinct operators, who are CBD based, deserve to have the conditions reviewed after Covid. So much has changed.”

Barman Joseph Hutchinson with Black Bull General Manager Andrew Chandler. Picture: Kelly Barnes

But West End Association spokesman Andrew Wallace said the local community “really like” the lockout laws, which helps calm the notorious strip before morning trade.

He supported a review.

“What it does need is a better night-time culture with better cleaning, better food and a more rounder view of the night time economy rather than just nightclubs,” he said.

Andrew Chandler, who manages several Hindley St venues including Black Bull, Precinct, and Woolshed clubs, said once doors shut it “can be a bit daunting and the street is not managed”.

Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels, said Liquor Licensing Commissioner Dini Soulio would review the code.

“I’m keen for the commissioner to now undertake the review and I understand that it’s due to occur before the end of the year,” she said.