Sydney’s Lockout Laws Will Be Scrapped In January
Almost six years after they were first introduced, the lockout laws have been scrapped.
On January 14, 2020, the lockout laws will be lifted across the Sydney CBD, almost exactly six years after the controversial legislation was first introduced.
The lockout laws were handed down in response to a series of tragic one-punch deaths across the city. Although it was widely acknowledged that toxic male violence needed to be addressed, from the outset, industry leaders and experts warned that the lockout laws would harm Sydney’s nightlife, possibly irreversibly.
And, according to many, that’s exactly what they have done. A committee has found that the city saw a 10 percent drop in under-35s visiting since 2013, and the loss of nearly half of its live music venues.
Notably, the repeal will not affect Kings Cross — that area will remain under the control of the laws.
Furthermore, the entire CBD will still have to abide by ‘last drinks’ legislation, meaning 3:30am will be the latest that alcohol can be served.
BREAKING: NSW Premier @GladysB Sydney’s lockout laws are gone from January 14. (They will stay in Kings Cross however.) Last drinks will remain at 3:30am. There will be a review in 12 months@10NewsFirstSyd #nswpol pic.twitter.com/KtN1SSg7kV
— Lachlan Kennedy (@lachlan_kennedy) November 28, 2019
Now, Premier Gladys Berejiklian appears to be paying attention to the damage that the lockout laws have done.
“Sydney is Australia’s only global city and we need our nightlife to reflect that,” the premier said in a statement when announcing the end of the laws. “The nighttime economy is a key driver of jobs in our city and we need to do everything we can to strengthen it. Community safety will always be a major focus for my Government, but we certainly need a balanced approach.”
The government has pledged to review these new changes in 12 months.