Lockout laws to be lifted in Kings Cross
Sydney’s 1:30am Kings Cross lockout laws are about to come to an end, with closing time extended to 3:30am in an effort to revive the city’s economy post COVID-19.
The laws were introduced in 2014 after 18-year-old Thomas Kelly was killed in a one punch attack, which prompted the NSW government to find a solution to curb alcohol-fuelled violence in the area.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Kings Cross had transformed since the lockout laws were instated.
“Kings Cross has transformed considerably since these laws were introduced over six years ago,” she said.
“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.”
Lockout laws were removed throughout Sydney’s CBD in January last year, but remained in place in Kings Cross.
These final barriers will be removed from 8 March.
It comes long after a 2019 NSW parliamentary committee recommended the laws be removed “with appropriate urgency” from licensed venues in the CBD, including Oxford Street.
Kings Cross was excluded for being “not yet sufficiently changed to warrant a complete reversal” of the lockout laws.
“The committee finds that due to the historical nature of Kings Cross, venue density and the small size of the precinct, there is a high risk that if the 2014 laws were removed, violence would increase and the rate of assaults would begin to rise again,” the report said.
A lower assault rate in Kings Cross between January 2014 and March 2019 as a result of the lockout laws has seen the relaxation of this policy.
The inquiry found there were 1921 fewer non-domestic assaults in the Kings Cross precinct – a decrease of 52.8 per cent.
Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said the abolition of the lockout law will help increase Sydney’s night-time economy.
“These measures will help breathe new life into the precinct and enhance Sydney’s reputation as a global city,” Mr Dominello said.
He also added that as a public safety measure “the ID scanners system, which requires some venues to record patrons’ ID during busy times such as Friday and Saturday nights will be retained in the Kings Cross precinct.”
The changes will be closely monitored by NSW government and a review will be conducted in 12 months, as it implements its 24-hour economy strategy.
Irit Jackson, 9th February 2021
