Central Sydney’s lockout laws could be removed
The last entry time of 1.30am could be no more...
Central Sydney’s lockout laws could be no more, after pressure from the New South Wales deputy premier John Barilaro who wants change to the current legislation.
Restrictions currently cut entry to venues after 1.30am, or after 2am for live music spaces, and the state’s number two has told Nine News that there is broad consensus on the cabinet to soften the laws.
Nine News reports that eight cabinet members are supportive of reforming the restrictions.
The lockout laws, implemented in 2014, have been the subject of much controversy with many Sydney venues having to shut permanently because of the restrictive laws. It is thought any change would not affect the Kings Cross precinct, however.
The Police Association are a fierce advocate of the laws, as the PA President Tony King told Nine News, "the laws work, any politician that changes these simple laws will have blood on their hands."
A battle over the laws has been active since 2014, with NSW Premier Troy Grant suggesting a move was possible back in 2016, though this did not materialize.
The city is also victim to a widespread ban on new licenses.
