Newcastle lockout laws: Small bars, restaurants could stay open for longer in six month trial
In first steps to scrap Newcastle’s controversial lockout laws, a six month trial to loosen restrictions for restaurants and small bars is being considered, but a NSW Health expert believes it comes with a range of health threats, including COVID-19.
Newcastle
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The possibility of a six month trial, which would see Newcastle’s restaurants and small bars able to stay open for longer, has been criticised by a health expert, who warned of “grave risks”.
Moves to update the city’s controversial lockout laws are in the fast lane after the State Government announced last month it was taking steps to get rid of the strict licensing rules which have been in place since 2008.
A Committee of 12 — including police, Newcastle Council, State MP Tim Crakanthorp, ILGA (Independent Liquor Gaming Authority) and industry reps — was established and met last week in the first of a series of meetings.
They’re looking to commence a half-year trial later this year.
Committee chair and former Labor leader Mark Latham said it won’t change existing arrangements for pubs but rather for restaurants and small bars which have felt the pinch.
“The change is the restrictions in place that are depriving Newcastle of much needed middle class tourism and jobs,” Mr Latham said.
“Restaurants have got restrictions on drink types and service and some on hours of trade so looking to normalise those and bringing them into line with [the rest of] NSW.
“We want to judge the evidence that if you have a trial period, will it be a great change for Newcastle or will it cause other unintended problems.”
Although, talk of a trial has created backlash from those who didn’t get a seat at the table.
Chair of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Trauma Committee, John Crozier, said a large number of stakeholders who these changes will impact haven’t been able to voice their concerns.
“Domestic violence organisations, nurses, health service providers, they’re not at the table,” Dr. Crozier said.
“Both the ambulance and nursing unions have voiced concerns in the Newcastle situation, they’ve seen the benefit of the reasonable measures that have existed since 2008.
“The contemplation of a trial, a relaxing, will increase the range of health threats.”
Another concern is the timing.
“We’re in the middle of a coronavirus pandemic, we’ve already seen the significant escalation that has occurred in Melbourne in a short space of time,” he added.
“There’s increased opportunity for breaching of social distancing, increased hours of trade particularly of alcohol, the threat of that is real and present.
“It would be a pity to turn back the tap on of alcohol related violence which the Newcastle community has been protected from.
“The timing of this and lack of broader communication is consistent with a move in a pre-defined direction, that’s a concern.”
But from the committee’s point of view, their aim is generate extra tourism, jobs and investment in the night time economy in a bid to bring back a vibrant Newcastle.
“All the data shows you, if you want to maximise the number of crimes and violent assaults in a society, have high unemployment and youth unemployment particular,” Mr Latham explained.
“We’ve got to face up to the fact Newcastle has 27 per cent youth unemployment. That’s atrocious.
“The city has changed a lot, we can’t pretend it’s still 2008, we have people buying million dollar apartments, we’re more upmarket.
“There’s some opportunities if we do a trial and we need to adjust to what’s going on in times of coronavirus.”
The committee will next convene on August 11.