Pub trading restrictions take shine off Hamilton

A Hamilton licencee doubts the suburb will ever regain its vibrancy in the wake of permanent trading restrictions.

After a request by lawyers representing 6 hotels, the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has published its full reasons for why it made a 1:00am lockout permanent.

It stresses that the restrictions are in the public interest.

The newly released documents also include submissions from licencees, including Paul Norberry.

He says Hamilton has lost its heart and soul.

"Well it is and was a terrific place, unfortunately we have lost the vibrancy that the, some people say village but I would say the cosmopolitan atmosphere in Hamilton late at night, when you could walk around and see other people on the street," he said.

Mr Norberry is also warning that the permanent lockout could encourage the growth of what he calls "marginally legal" night club venues.

He says he has a number of concerns about eateries not being subject to the same restrictions as hotels.

"The restaurants and places like that do not have restrictions so anywhere that can go late can then turn around and just go late.

"It's a moot point as to whether they're really doing the RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) correctly.

Source: ABC News, 12 July 2012