NSW Axes Remaining Lockout Laws In Push To Revitalise Nightlife

The state government is removing the final remnants of the controversial lockout laws tonight, including rules that saw last drinks served at 3:30am.

The laws were introduced by Liberal Premier Barry O’Farrell exactly 12 years ago today, in an attempt to stem the issue of alcohol-fuelled violence across the CBD, Kings Cross, and Oxford Street that saw the high-profile deaths of Thomas Kelly and Daniel Cristie. 

The subsequent 1:30am lockout provision prohibiting new patrons from entering a venue inadvertently gutted Sydney’s nightlife, with more than half of the city’s live music venues closing over the ensuing decade.

Legislation included the mandated use of plastic cups, the requirement for RSA marshals after midnight for certain venues, a blanket per person drink limit, and the ban on the promotion of shots during late trade across the aforementioned areas.

However, after a downward trend in alcohol-related nighttime assaults, a review by Liquor & Gaming NSW found these conditions were no longer fit for purpose, with safety able to be maintained through a targeted, case-by-case approach and ensuring individual venues are adhering to existing RSA requirements, Plans of Management and licence conditions.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said he was delighted to say goodbye to this chapter of Sydney’s nightlife. 

“The lockouts had good intentions but a diabolical impact on the night-time economy and the reputation of our city,” he said. “These were the laws that saw Madonna and Justin Bieber not allowed into their own afterparties, and the decimation of the club scene that spawned Rufus Du Sol and Flight Facilities.

“Once we had a closer look at all the regulations restricting the NSW night-time economy, we realised the lockouts were just the tip of the iceberg. Since coming to office we’ve been slashing the red tape that was pushing venues out of business and stopping grown adults having fun.”

Nighttime economy a central focus of Minns government

The revitalisation of the nighttime economy has been one of the top priorities for the Minns government since they came into office in 2023. Since that time, they’ve introduced a fleet of vibrancy reforms including the banning of single-neighbour noise complaints, removed unnecessary regulations that increased the cost and administrative burden for venue operators, and scrapped rules forcing patrons to sit down outside venues. 

The creation of Special Entertainment Precincts allowing local councils to manage venue trading hours and noise conditions has seen neighbourhoods across Sydney flourish, with established SEPs across the Inner West and councils pursing the Precincts in Manly, Cronulla, and Byron Bay to name a few.

Live music has also been a central focus of the government, with 39 venues supporting live music receiving more than $5 million in grants– triple the amount handed out in the last round of grants- and more than 521 venues taking part in the government’s live music program for extended trading hours, almost four times the number than when the government took office.

“I’m pleased to call time on the lockout laws after a thorough and considered review by Liquor & Gaming NSW found no compelling reason to single out licensed venues in the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross with outdated restrictions,” said Gaming and Racing Minister, David Harris.

“The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has confirmed downward trends in alcohol-related violence in the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross over the past five years following earlier changes to lockout laws. These included an extension of last drinks from 3am to 3.30am and the repeal of the 1.30am lockout.

“Existing measures under the Liquor Act, such as Responsible Service of Alcohol laws and the ability to still impose restrictions on high-risk venues, will help continue to ensure a safe, responsible and vibrant hospitality sector.”