South Australia Flags Review of Adelaide’s 3am Lockout Laws

South Australia’s government has flagged another review of the rules underpinning Adelaide’s 3am lockout laws, as late-night venue operators campaign to remove the restriction.

Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs Michael Brown told The Advertiser the Late Night Trading Code of Practice would be reviewed again later in 2026, with feedback sought from law enforcement, healthcare providers and licence holders.

The review would revisit an entry restriction affecting nightclubs, music venues and other late-night businesses. Brown has not committed to removing it.

Under the government’s published Late Night Trading Code of Practice, affected venues cannot admit or readmit patrons between 3.01am and 7am, apart from residents. The provision excludes SkyCity Adelaide Casino and restaurant and catering licensees.

The lockout therefore limits movement between venues rather than imposing a uniform closing time. Operators can continue serving patrons already inside during their authorised trading hours, but cannot admit customers arriving from elsewhere.

Adelaide operators have sought changes to the restriction for years, with TMN covering an earlier campaign in 2023.

More recently, Glam Adelaide reported in July that the SA Alliance for Night-Time Industries had proposed replacing the lockout with a monitored 12-month transition. Its proposal would track violent incidents and alcohol-related hospital presentations while retaining other safety requirements.

The proposal seeks to overturn a restriction retained following the 2023 review. Consumer and Business Services’ account of that process records amendments to drink marshal requirements, beverage restrictions, metal detector operation and CCTV standards, which commenced on November 1 that year.

In its submission to that review, South Australia Police supported retaining restricted entry, arguing it had helped reduce alcohol-related violence and disorder.

For venue operators seeking change, the next step is clarity on the review’s scope, timing and opportunities to contribute. Until the government makes any amendments, the existing restrictions remain in force: venues can trade within their licensed hours, but movement between them after 3am remains limited.