Gladys Berejiklian has called for a review of the legislation of Sydney’s lockout laws, five years after they were introduced.
After a huge push from the Greens party and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party in the NSW Upper House to scrap the laws altogether, we could see a stark reprimand in the much-despised laws.
Gladys Berejiklian has decided it’s time to “take stock” and rethink the lockout laws. Could this be the saving grace of Sydney’s dwindling music scene?
The move to set up a cross-party examination of the laws came from Shooters MP Robert Borsak and Greens MP Kate Faehrmann, who have tabled motions to axe the laws.
Gladys has responded: “It makes sense for us now to take stock and examine whether any further changes should be made.”
Ms Berejiklian has noted that since the laws were introduced in 2014 the number of non-domestic violent assaults in Sydney’s CBD and King’s Cross has declined.
“We have always sought to strike a balance between limiting alcohol-related violence and maintaining a vibrant nightlife economy,” Gladys continues.
“During this period, we have also worked to relax certain aspects of the laws, such as extending trading hours for bars and clubs for major events, and making it easier for small bars, restaurants and cafes to start up and operate.”
Shooters MP Robert Borsak has spoken out on the matter stating: “We just want to get Sydney going again and revitalise the nightlife. If there is a problem with violence and policing, then fix that, but don’t make venues close.”
The news comes just weeks after the City Of Sydney approved the development plan of relaxing and extending trading hours across Sydney’s CBD for bars and cafes.
The revision will be chaired by a government member and reach Parliament by September 30.
