BY ANDREW BARCLAY
The City of Sydney is failing in its ambitious plan to become a “vibrant late-night economy” according to a council report which found a large decline in night-time visitors.
The report blamed the lock out laws introduced by the state government as having a large role in dwindling numbers.The City’s late-night economy plan, OPEN Sydney, said the night-time economy is one of the most important issues facing cities around the globe.
The City had hoped to double its annual night-time economy turnover to $30 billion as part of the plan.
The shuttering of numerous late-night businesses and decreasing visitors has led one of Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs Matt Barrie to label Sydney an “international joke”, after an opinion piece he penned went viral on social media and elicited strong support.
“The total and utter destruction of Sydney’s night-life is almost complete,” he said.
“A succession of incompetent governments has systematically dismantled the entire night time economy through a constant barrage of rules, regulation and social tinkering.”
The study highlights a large drop in night-time foot traffic through Kings Cross, Darlinghurst and the CBD, suggesting that controversial lockout laws are to blame.
“The 2015 survey shows pedestrian numbers have decreased since 2012 in almost all precincts,” the report found.
“It is anticipated that significant drops in pedestrian numbers… may be due to the lockouts.”
Lockout laws, introduced by the Liberal state government in 2014 response to alcohol-fuelled violence in Kings Cross, intended to make Sydney a safer night-time destination.
A local business organisation said the declining visitor numbers were not only a threat to their business, but also Sydney’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination.
President of the City North Liquor Accord, Simon Barbato, said the findings weren’t a surprise given how difficult it has become “to have a good night out” in Sydney.
“In comparison to cities around the world, everything is just closing,” he told City Hub.
The September 2015 Late Night Management Areas Report also showed alcohol-fuelled violence had decreased, yet campaigners questioned the real cost of the laws.
Mr Barbato said the conflicting positions of the council and the state government were very confusing for industry, as they continue to oversee the closure of many business throughout the city.
“We’re witnessing the slow death of our city because of rules and regulations.”
In response to the report, Lord Mayor Clover Moore said when the laws were brought in by the state government she initially expressed concerns and called for an early review.
She said the study should not be considered an evaluation of the NSW Government’s lock-out laws as they only cover a snapshot.
“The face of Sydney’s late night economy may be changing but the City remains entirely committed to supporting a diverse night time economy that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors and a strong business community,” she told City Hub.
“The City works closely with all stakeholders in our late night precincts to ensure we can respond and adapt to these changes.”
She said they City supports effective measures like more small bars and increased public transport as other possible reforms.
“We have always recommended an evaluation of lockout laws and their impact on Sydney’s late night precincts.”
Mr Barbato said that Melbourne was an example of a city that has appropriately developed a late-night economy, through its promotion of late-night dining and 24-hour transport. “Melbourne is using Sydney’s decline to its advantage,” he said.
It was also reported on Saturday the manager of wine bar ‘10 Williams’ was told by police his wine list was “unsavoury” and “anti-social” as it was too close to the front of the street front and may encourage heavy drinking, which ignited further complaints from social media users.
On Saturday, the NSW government announced a one year extension of the ban on all new pub and club licences in Sydney’s CBD, Darlinghurst and Kings Cross.
