Letters

Back to the drawing board on late night trading

Councillor Chris Harris is to be congratulated for trying to seek solutions
to the city-wide problems with alcohol-related violence and
anti-social behaviour.  Sadly, liquor accords do little to improve bad
situations.  Hung on his own
petard, Doug Grand, Chairman of the Kings Cross Liquor Accord, says the
local Accord has 55 members, including the Empire Hotel which has been
subject to a 2am lock out.  Clearly, the Liquor Accord has been ineffective
in keeping the Empire Hotel out of trouble.  Furthermore, the Office of
Liquor, Gaming and Racing identifies Kings Cross as the most violent in the
city with respect to alcohol related violence.  Whether voluntary or
compulsory, there is little evidence to support liquor accords as a solution
to problem drinking.  The strategies that work are unpalatable to the
‘entertainment’ industry.  According to international research, these
include raising the price of alcohol, reducing opening hours of hotels and
clubs, and reducing the density of venues.  Less effective but worthwhile
strategies target advertising and marketing.  Sydney City Council needs to
go back to the drawing board and courageously review its Late Night Trading
Development Control Plan.

Sue Hanley, Darlinghurst

An unwelcome expansion

We were told by an events officer measuring the roadway in front of our home, that Council plans to expand the area of Primo this year. We learned that the residential section of Riley from Francis to the street garden at Seale St/Liverpool Lane is to be filled with stalls and a pasta-making  kiddie corner is to be set in the cul de sac. The officer told us we had been informed of this by a hand-delivered letter last month and another letter was on its way. In referring to Council’s letter in question, ‘Special Traffic Arrangements for Primo Italiano’, dated 11 March we find no mention of such expansion. We note that ESNA, the  East Sydney Neighbourhood Association, also hasn’t been informed. In superimposing the commercial mono-cultural event on this residential multi-cultural community, Council has never sought resident opinion. Locals have simply been told what to expect. Lacking the component of local participation, the proposed expansion of the commercial Primo smacks of legitimised zoning abuse in a  Residential 2B  Zone. Today we learned that structures are to be installed in the early hours of Saturday, the day before, and to remain for at least 36 hours!  The needs of the residential community of East Sydney have traditionally been ignored by Council.  This time our tolerance is being tested to the limit. We no longer take kindly to being treated as  Untermensch   (literally, less-than-people). Please inform us pronto as to how and when the expansion proposal was authorised, and by whom.
Charis & George Schwarz, Darlinghurst