ID scanners to be removed at Kings Cross venues but not strip clubs

The state government is expected to next week remove the requirement for Kings Cross pubs to use ID scanners on Friday and Saturday nights — except for strip clubs.

Lockout laws blamed for ruining the fun at Sydney’s sexiest suburb are set to end – but not for the strip clubs.

The state government is expected to next week remove the requirement for Kings Cross pubs to use ID scanners on Friday and Saturday nights.

The rules have forced owners to record every patron’s licence on entry after 9pm, no matter how sober or wrinkled they are.

Golden Mile pubs that could benefit include the Kings Cross, Potts Point and Hampton Court hotels.

But strip clubs have been told that punters must still have their licences scanned on entry however, prompting one sex industry advocate to describe that as discriminating against “natural human behaviours and desires”.

People out on a Friday night in Kings Cross. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Hospitality Minister Kevin Anderson said: “Liquor and Gaming has been working with the Kings Cross Liquor Accord and NSW Police on ways to help the industry ­recover.

“We are currently assessing a proposal that could see mandatory ID scanners removed for low risk venues.

“Under the proposal high risk venues would still have this requirement in place.”

The Sunday Telegraph understands “high risk venues” will include strip clubs and nightclubs.

Urban Realists Planning owner and sex industry advocate Julie Bates AO said ­dudding strip clubs would be “discriminatory”.

“These are natural human behaviours and desires,” she said.

“The strip industry is trying to get back on its feet like everyone else. There is no evidence to show that there is a need to maintain the extra rules for ID scanners.”

Charlie Allan, manager at The Kings Cross Hotel, using their ID scanner. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Dollhouse Gentlemen’s Club, Showgirls and BadaBing are some of the strip ­venues that would be impacted.

Michael Bray was the manager of the Empire Hotel in Kings Cross from 2014-2017.

“Strip clubs do attract a demographic of 18-30 males who are more likely to get into a fight and take drugs,” he said.

“Having the ID scanners remain for strip clubs is not going to do much harm to their business.”

Strip clubs outside Kings Cross are not required to scan patron’s ID upon entry.

The 1.30am lockout rules, restrictions on certain drinks, shots, discounted cocktails and use of glass after midnight were lifted in March 2021.

Kings Cross pubs were also allowed to trade until 3.30am rather than 3am while RSA marshal and CCTV rules were also relaxed.

Solotel Group CEO Elliot Solomon, whose company runs the Kings Cross Hotel, said: “After almost a decade of restrictions, we are happy to hear that the government is considering the removal of ID scanners for some venues in the precinct – long overdue in our opinion”.

“This is very timely considering our plans to complete a major renovation at the Kings Cross Hotel at the back end of the year.

“Overall it’s a positive step in assisting the rebuild and rejuvenation of Kings Cross.”