Published
Tue, Jan 21, 2014, 11:40
- 1:30 AM lockouts and 3 AM bar cut-offs are to be implemented throughout the city's CBD.
The New South Wales government have announced new licensing laws for Sydney's CBD to curb alcohol-related violence.
The topic has been widely discussed through the media for a number of years, particularly in reaction to several instances where unprovoked attacks on the streets of Sydney's nightclub districts resulted in deaths or serious injury. With the government citing alcohol as the central issue, the state's premier, Barry O'Farrell, will introduce new legislation which includes mandatory and extended sentences for offenders. There will also be a statewide 10 PM bottle shop curfew and the ability to ban troublemakers from certain areas in the city.
The laws targeting venues include a 1:30 AM lockout period across the CBD, meaning nobody will be allowed to enter or re-enter a venue past that time. Service of drinks will be cut off at 3 AM, although venues may remain open past this time. A map of the proposed zoning along with more information on the proposed legislation can be found on the NSW Government website. Parliament is likely to pass the new measures when it is recalled next week.