NSW Government to create precincts with roaming security, removing them from the front of venues

A major overhaul of how night-time hotspots are overseen by security guards is set to be brought in by the NSW Government, with a senior minister declaring bouncer culture in NSW has become “too heavy-handed”.

Minister for Music and the Night time Economy, John Graham, has backed the changes. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

A major overhaul of how night-time hotspots are overseen by security guards is set to be brought in by the NSW Government, with a senior minister declaring bouncer culture in NSW has become “too heavy-handed”.

In a bid to breathe new life into Sydney’s faltering night-life, the Minns Government will back a business-led trial which will remove security guards from the doors of bars and other licensed premises in specified precincts across Sydney.

Instead, security guards would be paid and hired by the precinct itself – which would be funded by participating businesses in the area rather than individual licensed premises.

Under the proposal it’s understood security guards would instead patrol the area around the precinct instead of looming at the door of individual bars or clubs, who would be encouraged to put their own staff on the door to welcome patrons.

The government also hopes that reducing the cost of paying for security at smaller venues will facilitate longer-trading hours from premises hobbled by the cost of wages.

Under the proposal it’s understood security guards would instead patrol the area around the precinct instead of looming at the door of individual bars or clubs. Pictures: Jack Tran

Minister for Music and the Night time Economy John Graham said the precinct model for security could help shift perceptions of a bouncer culture.

It comes after a survey by the Night Time Industries Association of young Sydneysiders last year found that respondents “often described (security) as intimidating and off putting to having a good night out”.

“A precinct approach to security could mean less security on the door of an individual venue and more people out in the precinct and on the street giving the right guidance and making sure patrons and the public feel safe and welcomed to a good night out rather than the antagonistic and confrontational atmosphere that reigns currently,” Mr Graham said.

It’s understood similar security models are in place in busy parts of London and Brighton in the UK, and Washington in the United States.

The Minister added Sydney’s strict lockout laws had created a “tense” atmosphere after dark.

“I want going out at night in NSW to be as relaxed as a summer’s day at the beach or by the pool,” he said.

“Unfortunately, that is the opposite of the night-time culture that has been produced by the era of lockouts. It’s too tense, it’s not welcoming and security is too heavy-handed.”

John Graham has backed the changes declaring bouncer culture in NSW has become “too heavy-handed”.

Precincts eligible for the move will include busy areas in 21 suburbs identified earlier in the year under the government’s Uptown Grant program, which provides up to $200,000 to help local areas turn into thriving night-life areas fit for a night out.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal the recipients of another tranche of funding will soon be decided, with precincts in Redfern, Hornsby, Leichhardt and Randwick jostling for the cash.

The NSW Government will encourage businesses in those precincts to consider the move to overhaul their security.

“By promoting a precinct model we are recognising that Sydney and all our cities and regions of NSW have distinct characters as diverse as our population,” Mr Graham said.

“We are going to rebuild the Sydney and regional centres neighbourhood by neighbourhood to reflect and celebrate that diversity and uniqueness. We need businesses to get organised among themselves, have ideas and be willing to try them and for local councils to back them.”