Sydney lockout laws: NSW government to abolish final remaining rules

Sydney’s controversial lockout laws will be gone for good from next month, with the state government to announce they will be scrapped in Kings Cross.

The last remnant of Sydney’s restrictive lockout laws will be removed, with Kings Cross issued a reprieve from March 8.

The NSW government will announce the changes on Tuesday, saying the move is a bid to stimulate the local economy and boost jobs.

The change will bring the precinct into line with the CBD, where lockout laws were lifted a year ago.

Under the changes, the 1.30am lockout will be ditched, so revellers can enter venues after that hour, and the 3am “last drinks” call will be pushed back to 3.30am.

People walk down Darlinghurst Road in Kings Cross on a Saturday night. Picture: Damian Shaw

Blanket restrictions on particular drinks, shots, cut-price cocktails and the use of glass after midnight will be removed and requirements for RSA marshalls and CCTV will also be wiped.

The changes were signed off by state cabinet with a pitch that they would help boost jobs and the economic revitalisation of the city after the struggles of the COVID economy.

The impact of the new rules would be “closely monitored”, the government said, with a review slated for next year as the city continues to pursue a 24-hour economy strategy.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there would still be a strong focus on safety in Kings Cross, but that the precinct had transformed since the laws were first introduced.

“The precinct is now well positioned to continue to evolve into a vibrant lifestyle and cultural destination with a diverse mix of small bars, live music venues and restaurants,” she said.

Ms Berejiklian said safety would remain important.

People outside the Kings Cross Hotel. Picture: Damian Shaw

Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said ID scanners will be retained as an “additional public safety measure”.

Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said the changes were key to help Sydney be a true 24-hour world city.

“This is an important step towards implementing our 24-hour Economy Strategy to ensure Kings Cross flourishes into a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and safe precinct as our city powers ahead with confidence,” he said.

Police Minister David Elliott said police would continue to have a “strong presence” in the precinct.

The laws were introduced in 2014 after the deaths of one-punch victims Thomas Kelly and Daniel Christie. A 2019 parlliamentary inquiry found they had been effective in reducing alcohol-fuelled violence.