Sydney council elections: ‘Night mayor’ could shake up Sydney’s lockout laws

SYDNEY could elect a European-style “night mayor” under a plan to reinvigorate the city’s night-life and potentially help oversee a relaxation of the Baird government’s controversial lockout laws.

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SYDNEY could elect a European-style “night mayor” under a plan to reinvigorate the city’s night-life and potentially help oversee a relaxation of the Baird government’s controversial lockout laws.

The city would also have discount night-time parking, big new taxi and Uber ranks and more attractions and transport operating around the clock under a bold new plan from the woman who could be Sydney’s next mayor.

Residents and businesses will get to elect their own fulltime politician of the night if Councillor Angela Vithoulkas succeeds in her bid to oust Lord Mayor Clover Moore in the City of Sydney election on September 10.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Mayor with a dog at the Paddington Dog Show. Picture: Craig Wilson

Councillor Angela Vithoulkas, who is running to be Lord Mayor of Sydney. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Ms Vithoulkas says she wants a more “measured” approach to Sydney that balances the lock out and night lift. Picture: John Appleyard

Amsterdam appointed its first night mayor in 2014 and the idea has spread to Paris and Zurich with London and Berlin both considering the idea

Ms Vithoulkas said she wants a more “measured” approach to Sydney’s controversial lockout laws and believes a night mayor could safely reinvigorate the city’s $18 billion night-time economy, while mediating quickly on noise disputes.

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“There has to be better ways of dealing with the night-time economy than a lockout law,” Ms Vithoulkas said.

A review of the lockout laws by former judge Ian Callinan is due this month and Deputy Premier Troy Grant is open to the idea of relaxing 1.30am lockouts while keeping 3am closures in place — if Mr Callinan’s ­review recommends it.

A panel advising Mr Callinan visited a night mayors’ summit in Amsterdam this year and Mr Grant told The Daily Telegraph: “This and many other issues will be considered by government as part of our response.”

Ms Moore (left) at Town Hall. Mark Evans

Keep Sydney Open campaign manager Tyson Koh backed the plan: “It would help open up the employment market for youth and low-skilled workers.”

Assaults have plunged since lockouts started but the laws have been blamed for taking the fizz out of Sydney’s nightspots, including the closures of many pubs and clubs.

Ms Vithoulkas also wants libraries, cinemas, restaurants and shops to open “around the clock” in parts of the city.