The Kings Cross Lockout Laws Are Finally Being Lifted
Nearly all restrictions will be scrapped in just a few weeks.
The NSW Government has announced it will scrap the lockouts in Kings Cross from next month, six years after they were first introduced.
As reported by the ABC, the 1.30am entry lockout will be lifted on March 8 for pubs, bars, and clubs; restrictions on cocktails, shots, and serving drinks in glass after midnight be also be lifted. The ‘last drinks’ call will be pushed out to 3.30am. All changes will be reviewed after 12 months.
“Kings Cross has transformed considerably since these laws were introduced over six years ago,” NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said of the changes. “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.”
The lifting of restrictions comes at a time when the government is seeking to revive Sydney’s nightlife, which has been ravaged by the initial lockout laws and the pandemic.
The controversial laws were rushed through parliament by then-Premier Barry O’Farrell in 2014, as a response to a series of tragic one-punch deaths in the city. While it was widely acknowledged that violence, particularly toxic male violence, needed to be addressed, the laws were a sledgehammer to Sydney’s nightlife — a reductive and damaging solution to a serious problem.
Last year, the lockouts were lifted in all areas of Sydney except Kings Cross. The decision was largely a response to a damning inquiry into the cultural and economic impact of the laws. Among the most alarming evidence given to the committee was the revelation that the city had seen a 10 percent drop in under-35s visiting the city since 2013, and had suffered the loss of nearly half of its live music venues — including iconic nightspots such as World Bar, Goodgod, Backroom, Soho, and Hugo’s.
“This is an important step towards implementing our 24-hour economy strategy to ensure Kings Cross flourishes into a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and safe precinct as our city powers ahead with confidence,” Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said.
Photo: Kings Cross via Sardaka under Creative Commons License 3.0