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- The NSW Government is set to lift the controversial lock-out laws for the Kings Cross nightlife precinct in Sydney
- The lockout laws were first introduced in 2014 after two young men died in alcohol-fuelled violent attacks
- The laws essentially stop businesses from operating late at night, with restrictions on opening times and alcohol serving requirements
- The restrictions were lifted for Sydney’s CBD and Oxford Street early last year, but Kings Cross was kept under the laws until now
- The lockout restrictions have been widely criticised for their effect on local businesses and are thought to have cost the economy $16 billion in lost activity
The NSW Government is set to finally lift its controversial lock-out laws for the Kings Cross nightlife precinct in Sydney.
The laws in question were introduced by the previous O’Farrell Government in 2014 after Thomas Kelly and Daniel Christie were killed in separate one-punch attacks while on nights out in Sydney.
The laws applied to large parts of Sydney’s CBD, including Kings Cross, and essentially barred nightclubs and pubs from operating late at night.
The lockout laws imposed strict closing times, such as not being able to accept patrons past 10:30 pm, and even stricter liquor restrictions.
The laws attracted strong criticism from local businesses and music venues that argued the restrictions were devastating their bottom lines.
A parliamentary inquiry in 2019 actually estimated that the cost of the lockdown laws were around $16 billion in terms of lost economic activity.
Upon the inquiry’s findings, NSW authorities decided to remove the laws from Sydney and Oxford Street, however Kings Cross remained exempt.
However, the ABC is now reporting that nightclub venues in Kings Cross will no longer be subject to the restrictions from March 8 this year.
This means the venues will be able to accept patrons past 1:30 am and that liquor restrictions will also ease.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the changes to would revitalise Sydney’s nightlife, which has been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Kings Cross has transformed considerably since these laws were introduced over six years ago,” she stated.
“The precinct is now well-positioned to continue to evolve into a vibrant lifestyle and cultural destination with a diverse mix of small bars, live music venues, and restaurants,” she added.
