Minister cautious about Byron liquor laws

The state's Minister for Hospitality is adopting a wait-and-see approach to Byron Bay's new liquor service rules.

Members of the town's liquor accord recently agreed to a voluntary set of rules designed to address growing concerns about alcohol-related violence.

They include earlier lock-in times at licensed venues, and a ban on the sale of shots, doubles and the larger wine casks.

George Souris says he'll be monitoring the scheme.

"The liquor accord arrangements that are in place, that have been fostered through the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing, are yet to have their effect," he said.

"We will monitor those and see how they go.

"It may well be necessary that the government imposes other measures, they are all available, but all of this doesn't have to happen in the next five minutes.

"There may well be some problems which come with being a tourism destination.

"There are matters which are unique, and ought to be treated uniquely rather than a panacea approach.

"That's what we've seen in the obvious on, Kings Cross.

"Newcastle was an earlier one actually to Kings Cross, but Byron Bay, effectively, is the next cab off the rank."

Source: ABC News, 4 April 2013