Sydney's lockout laws set to be reviewed and potentially eased
Five years on from its implementation, the controversial legislation might finally be rescinded...
Sydney's notorious lockout laws are set to be reviewed and potentially erased.
The Australian city's harsh licensing restrictions are to be re-evaluated over five years since they were first introduced, with New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian commenting to the Sydney Morning Herald that the government will "take stock" of the laws' successes and failures.
The decision follows motions by the Australian political parties, the Greens and Shooters & Fishers, to renege on the legislation.
The laws were first introduced in 2014 as an alleged response to two deaths near Sydney's Kings Cross centre, and imposed a 1:30am last entry policy, and 3:00am last drink restriction. Last year a parliamentary inquiry found that 176 venues had closed in the city since the laws' introduction.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Premier Berejiklian stated: "After five years of operation, it makes sense for us to now take stock and examine whether any further changes should be made. We have always sought to strike a balance between limiting alcohol-related violence and maintaining a vibrant night-time economy."
A press release from the government identified public safety, health and the city's nightlife economy as the report's priorities.
Read our future on how Australia is declaring "war on festivals" here.
