Subdued start as Sydney’s lock-out laws end
The end of Sydney’s CBD’s lockout laws has been a quiet affair, with no significant incidents reported across the first weekend.
The controversial laws have been lifted everywhere in the CBD except Kings Cross, with some expecting a surge in alcohol related violence over the weekend.
But the NSW Police confirmed there were no significant incidents reported on Friday or Saturday night.
The repeal of the laws saw the end of the 1.30am last entry for all venues in Sydney CBD, the end of restrictions on serving cocktails, shots and drinks in glasses after midnight, and the end the 10pm curfew on bottle shops. The last-drinks curfew has also been extended by 30 minutes to 3.30am
Speaking to the AAP, Liquor and policing director John Green said they hoped to more people going out to the Sydney CBD over time.
“We want to see them have a meal, see a show, come and experience what the Sydney CBD is like,” he said.
Health Services Union NSW secretary Gerard Hayes said emergency services would remain on alert with an expected rise in activity over the next month as the weather warms up.
Sheridan Randall, 20th January 2020
