Sydney venue closing times are due to be pushed back for venues that offer “genuine live entertainment” following a review into the controversial NSW lockout laws.
The NSW cabinet agreed to push the laws back slightly for some bars, with CBD and Kings Cross venues to be permitted to operate until 3.30am instead of 3am.
Pubs and clubs in the Sydney CBD that qualify will be allowed to admit patrons as late as 2am, 30 minutes later then the current 1.30am lockout.
Bottle shops across the state will have their trading hours extended to 11pm, up from 10pm.
The lockout laws were introduced in early 2014 following a number of one-punch assaults in the city and warmly welcomed by medical and police workers but met a wide opposition.
But Premier Mike Baird told the media Thursday the “lockout laws are staying… There’s no doubt they have been saving lives.”
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The decision to ease the unpopular curfew follows a review by former High Court judge, Justice Ian Callinan, which recommended extending the city’s operating hours in a two-year trial, a statement from premier’s office said.
“Mr Callinan found that the lockout laws introduced in February 2014 have resulted in ‘much safer, quieter and cleaner areas’,” Mr Baird said in the statement.
According to the release, extended hours on last drinks “will be allowed via exemption for venues that offer genuine live entertainment, live performances or art and cultural events”.
According to a fact sheet on the Liquor and Gaming website regarding the easing of the laws, the trial “will not include venues solely operating as a nightclub, karaoke or adult entertainment venues or prescribed Violent Venues”.
The definition of live entertainment covers “events where one or more entertainers are engaged to perform music (live or pre-recorded) or live performance where performers are present”.
The premier’s office has been contacted for further details.
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Justice Minister Troy Grant said the extension of takeaway sales would apply in January “to allow the community and businesses to capitalise over the busy summer period”.
“Government needs to provide a safe and vibrant night-time environment for the public and otherwise get out of the way to let people live their lives,” Mr Grant, who is also minister for police and the arts, said in the release.
Further details of the changes include the extended licence freeze in the CBD and Kings Cross until 2018 and the extended capacity for small bars from 60 to 100 patrons.
Small bars in the city and the Cross will also see trading hours automatically extended until 2am.
Today’s top news stories – December 8