Committee to meet with venue operators as pressure grows to enhance Sydney night-life
Five years on since the controversial lockout laws were put in place, the government today will announce a new parliamentary committee will meet with venue operators, with all options being considered to revive Sydney’s night-life.
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Sydney’s contentious lockout laws will be reviewed after mounting pressure to revive the city’s night-life.
The NSW government will today announce a new parliamentary committee will be charged with meeting venue operators from the entertainment and live music sector along with other key stakeholders.
It’s understood all options are on the table to reinvigorate Sydney after dark — even bringing extended trading back in Kings Cross — with the government refusing to rule anything out.
The Joint Select Committee on Sydney’s Night Time Economy will report to parliament by September 30 on a number of issues including any measures needed to “enhance” the city’s night-time economy and improve community safety.
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Sydney’s lockout laws which came into effect in February 2014 following the deaths of two teenagers and regular street brawls were hailed at the time as a solution to incidents of alcohol-fuelled violence.
Under the current legislation, nightclubs and bars in the city, Kings Cross and Darlinghurst areas must deny entry to new customers after 1.30am and serve last drinks by 3am.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the number of non-domestic violence assaults had declined in the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross precincts since the laws were introduced.
“We have always sought to strike a balance between limiting alcohol-related violence and maintaining a vibrant night time economy,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“During this period, we have also worked to relax certain aspects of the laws, such as extending trading hours for bars and clubs for major events, and making it easier for small bars, restaurants and cafes to start up and operate.”
“After five years of operation, it makes sense for us to now take stock and examine whether any further changes should be made.”
The lockout laws have been a political hot potato with a growing number of groups urging the government to repeal the legislation.
Newly formed political party Keep Sydney Open used the lockouts as its key policy plank in the NSW election and, while failing to score a seat, attracted 70,000 lower house votes.
It wants to scrap the laws on the basis they have damaged business and culture.
The City of Sydney is also putting pressure on the Coalition after passing its late night trading plan.
This will allow business across the city centre to apply for 24-hour trading while some “low-impact” food and drink venues will be able to remain open until 2am.
The committee will consist of five members of the lower house, including three government MPs and at least one crossbencher, and five members of the upper house including two government members and at least two crossbenchers. It will also be chaired by a government MP.
Upper house One Nation member Mark Latham is one possible appointee after flagging his support to ease Sydney’s lockout laws.
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