Sydney lock-outs to begin February 24

The tough new laws governing Sydney licensed venues will come into effect earlier than expected.

Premier Barry O’Farrell initially announced the start-day would be sometime in April. Now these laws go live on February 24.

The music industry has been critical of measures by the NSW Government, responding to public and media outcry about instances of alcohol-fuelled violence in entertainment precincts.

The newly formed Sydney Late Night Culture Alliance – made up of live music venues, associations, artists and media outlets – argues that the rate of alcohol-related assaults has been declining since 2008 and is at its lowest since 2002.  The Music Network is a member of the Alliance. The Alliance argues that such laws will have a negative impact on Sydney’s nightlife and in particular affect live music venues who are not subsidised by gaming or pokies revenue. It is a warning echoed by the NSW branch of the Australian Hotels Association.

The newly defined  “CBD entertainment precinct” includes Kings Cross, Darlinghurst, Cockle Bay, The Rocks and Haymarket. From February 24, there will be 1.30 am lockouts, no more alcohol service after 3 am, troublemakers facing the prospective of temporarily bans, a freeze on new liquor licences and approvals for existing licences.

“The NSW Government makes no apologies for these tough measures – businesses and patrons will need to adjust to the changes because improving the safety and amenity of the CBD is in everyone’s interests,” O’Farrell said.

The worry is that such measures will be extended to other entertainment precincts as Byron Bay, Lismore and Tamworth.