Lower north shore revellers have turned Crows Nest into the new Kings Cross as lockout laws continue to bite

REAL estate agent Harry Sullivan says Crows Nest night life is booming because locals who used to travel to Kings Cross are reluctant to cross the bridge because of controversial lockout laws.

Real estate agent Harry Sullivan says Crows Nest has benefited from the lockout laws. Picture: Damian Shaw

SYDNEY’S lockout laws have provided a boost to Crows Nest night life, a real estate agent says.

Harry Sullivan has seen a growth in the area since the government brought in new rules for venues in the CBD.

He has noticed that people who used to travel into Kings Cross are now choosing to eat out in local restaurants and bars.

Revellers in Kings Cross before the lockout laws were introduced.

“Instead of leaving the area to cross the bridge we are finding that people are staying local,” he said.

“The lockout laws have definitely had a big factor in it.”

Mr Sullivan, who is a commercial agent at Gunning Real Estate, pointed out there has been a growth in small bars in the suburb.

This has complemented the restaurants and created a “better night life” in the area.

Mr Sullivan also said that new residential developments in Crows Nest and surrounding suburbs have had an impact.

In particular he has found the transformation of small commercial buildings into boutique residential apartment blocks has activated the area.

There has been a drop off of crowds in Kings Cross and some venues have closed since lockout laws were introduced.

“Crows Nest is already a strong market but it’s definitely on the increase,” he said.

“From now until the next two years we will see Crows Nest continue to increase in value.”

The owner of The Foxtrot Inn has noticed a rise in business over the past year.

He believes it is a combination of the lockout laws, the opening of the new Woolworths store and the renovation of the Crows Nest Hotel.

“Crows Nest has become quite a good entertainment hub and people are really responding,” David Antico said.

The once vibrant Kings Cross night life has diminished.

Chris Lane owns two venues in the area: Small Bar and The Hayberry. He reckons people are also choosing Crows Nest because it offers everything for a night out, from dinner to late night drinks.

“It’s a destination in itself. You can have a whole night in Crows Nest,” he said.

“I’d put it down to a good combination of venues.”

He reckons that the laws have created a “fear factor” about crossing the bridge and being locked out. As a result people stay local for a night out.

LOCKOUT LAW AMENDMENTS CONSIDERED

On Wednesday, NSW Premier Mike Baird dampened speculation he will relax the state’s controversial lockout laws, however concessions may be announced within weeks.

He told 2GB radio presenter Alan Jones that there would be consideration of the Independent Liquor Law Review, published last month and led by former High Court judge the Honourable Ian Callinan, among members of government, cabinet and those in the party room.

“Obviously ... there are two sides of the debate,” Baird said.

“Over the next few weeks cabinet and the government and the party room will consider (the recommendations).”

NSW Premier Mike Baird.

Ian Callinan QC.

The NSW lockout laws were introduced after the one-punch killing of 18-year-old Thomas Kelly in 2012. His attacker, Kieran Loveridge, had had pre-drinks in western Sydney’s Quakers Hill before his assault of Kelly in Sydney’s Kings Cross.

Bars, pubs and venues in Sydney’s Central Business District Entertainment Precinct — from Surry Hills to The Rocks to Kings’ Cross — must enforce 1.30am lockouts and last drinks at 3am. Bottle shops cannot sell alcohol after 10pm.

The Independent Review of Liquor Laws recommended a two-year trial wherein genuine entertainment venues should be able to allow entry until 2am, and to serve alcohol until 3.30am as long as live entertainment was being offered.

In the report, former Justice Callinan said the current laws had “come at a cost ... to employment, live entertainment and the vibrancy of the precincts.

“The sale of takeaway alcohol, whether before or after 10pm, makes little or no contribution to violence and anti-social behaviour in the precincts, even less so when it is home delivered.”