Lock Out Laws Lightly Lifted

BY ANITA BLANCO

Sydney’s contentious lockout laws are due to be amended by Premier Mike Baird.

A recent review of the laws has resulted in the extension of lockout from 1:30am to 2am, and allows the serving of drinks until 3.30am.

However Sydney’s nightlife will still be under threat with reforms being limited to venues offering live entertainment or art and cultural events. The relaxation of the laws will have a two-year trial period before permanent laws are introduced.

The tough measures were introduced in 2014 following a string of violent, alcohol-induced assaults that resulted in the deaths of teenagers Daniel Christie and Thomas Kelly who were fatally slewed in one-punch attacks.

The laws have been demonstrated to have decreased violent attacks on Sydney streets, but have been heavily scrutinised for destroying the city’s once vibrant nightlife.

Kings Cross Liquor Accord Chief Executive, Douglas Grand, reported that the inner city suburb faced the closure of at least 16 venues since 2014. A subsequent City of Sydney report showed a staggering 80 per cent drop in foot traffic in and around the CBD’s entertainment zones.

Founder of the Keep Sydney Open campaign, Tyson Koh, told news.com.au, “But it’s not too late for Sydney’s night-life, we can improve entertainment options in areas like Oxford St and the CBD to coax people back into the city.
that “Kings Cross will never be the way it was before”.

Despite widespread opposition, Premier Baird maintains his support for the laws.

In a Facebook post earlier this year, the Premier justified the lockout laws with a decline in violence rates.

“We introduced laws to curb violence and to eliminate drinking ghettos by redistributing the nightlife across the city, making the whole city more vibrant.

“These laws are about the moral obligation we have to protect innocent people from drunken violence.

“It is going to take a lot for me to change my mind on a policy that is so clearly improving this city,” he said.

However, the key recommendations made by former High Court judge Ian Callinan have put change into motion.

The review involved over 1800 public submissions and complex inquiries into the impact of the laws on Sydney’s night-time economy.

Minister for Justice and Police Troy Grant also supports the changes proposed by Mr. Callinan.

The changes are said to further enhance the vibrancy of Sydney’s nightlife without negating the initial purpose for the laws.

In a report written on the NSW Government website, Mr. Grant says, “We’ve found a balance that will contribute to lessening alcohol-fuelled violence whilst still allowing our global city to thrive and be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”

Changes to lockout laws, alcohol sales and small bars will be implemented from January 2017.