Sydney’s lockout laws a win for the suburb, locals say, as Keep Sydney Open CBD protest attracts 10,000
AS opposition grows for Sydney’s lockout laws, Kings Cross residents are reporting a quieter, “revitalised” suburb, urging the premier to keep them in place. WHAT DO YOU THINK? VOTE
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- Protesters say no to the NSW Government’s lockout laws
- Emergency services want lockouts around the state
- Landmark Kings Cross watering hole bits the dust
AS MOMENTUM grows for the anti-lockout movement, Kings Cross residents have pleaded with Premier Mike Baird to keep the laws.
Reporting a quieter “revitalised” suburb with a bustling daytime economy, residents say the area is more diverse and liveable since the laws were introduced in February, 2014.
Ahead of making their submissions to a review led by Ian Callinan QC, Helen Crossing from the 2011 Residents Association said the laws had made “resounding changes to the quality of life” and this week sent a letter to the premier thanking him on their behalf.
“As residents of the Kings Cross area, we have seen the negative influence of highly-concentrated alcohol outlets in a small area, resulting in overindulgence in alcohol with endless brawls, mindless violence, a general ambience of danger, and injured bodies being carried away by paramedics,” the letter said.
“Now, after years of violence on our streets, residents report a new sense of safety in Kings Cross, Potts Point and surrounding areas.”
President of the Potts Point Kings Cross Heritage Society Andrew Woodhouse agreed, saying “lockouts save lives.”
“There has been a massive drop in alcohol-related violence on the streets and an increase in the diversification of shops now that some clubs have closed,” he said.
But Tyson Koh from Keep Sydney Open said the laws were ruining Sydney and the movement’s 33,000 Facebook followers wanted them repealed.
“We would like to see measures put in place that borrow from other global entertainment precincts, for example cities like Amsterdam, Melbourne, NYC, because they’re more appropriate comparisons to Sydney than Newcastle,” Mr Koh said.
A Keep Sydney Open rally yesterday attracted close to 10,000 people protesting against the 1.30am lockouts and 3am last drinks, including nightclub owner John Ibrahim and Dave Faulkner of the Hoodoo Gurus.
Last August, 12 months after ID scanners were introduced, 1.5 million IDs had been scanned in the Cross.
Speaking at the time, local area commander Superintendent Michael Fitzgerald said police had seen less violence. “Since their introduction, we have seen a marked reduction in the number of assaults and thefts from within licensed premises,” he said.
But Greg Turton from World Bar said the laws put venues in the Cross at a competitive disadvantage and prevented Sydney from having a vibrant night time economy.
“This cannot be achieved by locking out the city at 1.30am. It only stifles it,” he said, “(There should be) More emphasis on personal responsibility. Punish the individual who does the wrong thing, not everyone else.”
Head of the Kings Cross Liquor Accord Doug Grand said 16 venues had closed during the period and two others had reduced in size.
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