NSW Premier Chris Minns wants alcohol banned in parliament amid review on public drinking laws
NSW Premier Chris Minns says alcohol consumption in parliament should be banned as the state reviews possible changes to public drinking laws.
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NSW Premier Chris Minns says he would like to see alcohol banned in parliament as he endorses possible changes to laws prohibiting Sydneysiders from consuming alcohol in public places.
The Premier said he believed there are too many “rules and regulations” currently in place across Sydney when it comes to hospitality or “having fun”.
His comments come as a parliamentary inquiry considers a private members bill calling on the removal of restrictions on consuming alcohol in public areas such as parks and beaches.
The Bill would ensure penalties for dangerous drinking behaviour were maintained while allowing Sydney locals the chance to enjoy alcohol responsibly in public areas.
“If you go to any international city around the world and Sydney is certainly one of those, they have a night time environment that include maybe a hotelier, a pub or even a club allowing people to have a drink on the footpath or sidewalk or wherever you are, but in Sydney that’s virtually impossible,” Mr Minns said on Monday.
“Having an economy that fires up at 5pm during the week is really important for cities like Sydney and that means we’ve got to be open to cutting red tape.”
Mr Minns said current laws are “strangling any kind of night life” in the major city and the government must try to “get the balance right” when it comes to regulating alcohol consumption.
“I think the state government coming over the top (of councils) in a heavy handed way is probably not the right way to go,”
While Mr Minns threw his support behind the potential changes, he noted one place he believed alcohol should be banned – Parliament House.
Mr Minns, who has himself given up drinking, called on NSW parliamentarians to consider their alcohol consumption inside Parliament House, which is equipped with a number of licensed cafes, restaurants and bars.
“I’m biased here, I don’t drink, so I don’t have a horse in that race … but we have to be careful to have a modern workplace,” he said.
Mr Minns acknowledged the unusual circumstances that have allowed alcohol consumption to take place in Parliament House.
“Members of parliament, staff, officials can’t leave while the house is sitting. You’re always available for a vote,” he said.
“Therefore, the circumstances are a bit different to other work sites.”
Mr Minns also accepted banning booze in parliament was not his decision to make.
“I’m not responsible for Parliament House, it’s independently run – but it’s something for members to consider in the period ahead.”
Earlier this year Mr Minns told the ABC cutting out alcohol was a “life-changing” move.
Originally published as NSW Premier Chris Minns wants alcohol banned in parliament amid review on public drinking laws
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