Sydney’s divisive lockout laws and alcohol trading regulations will be changed after an announcement from Premier Mike Baird today.
Update:Mike Baird has officially announced the changes, which will apply to “live music venues” from January, while the restraints will remain in place for other venues. Small bars (with an increased capacity of 100 people) will be able to trade until 2am.
“It’s important to note that the lockout laws are staying,” Baird told media today. “They have proven to be effective.”
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According to The Daily Telegraph, the State Government will adopt the recommendations of this year’s Callinan review to push back the CBD lockout time from 1:30am to 2am, and closing times from 3am to 3:30am.
Meanwhile, Channel 9 reports that the curfew on takeaway alcohol across New South Wales will be shifted from 10pm to 11pm.
Premier Baird will make the announcement today, but already it has been met with consternation from Keep Sydney Open, the late-night culture group at the forefront of protests against the alcohol laws.
Cabinet has signed off on lockout changes. Closing times moved from 3-3.30am and lockout from 1.30am- 2. Takeaway alcohol to 11. @9NewsSyd
— Chris O’Keefe (@cokeefe9) December 7, 2016
What a joke. A 30 minute relaxation is an insult to businesses and Sydney’s global status. Mike Baird is in for a rough ride. https://t.co/EeuklMgxc3
— Keep Sydney Open (@KeepSydneyOpen) December 7, 2016
Photo: Ashley Mar
Stay tuned to thebrag.com for more as the story develops.
