Relaxed lockout laws help Stonewall and World Bar

Two bars have been allowed to stay open for longer since New South Wales tough lockout laws were eased in December.

The two venues are World Bar, in Kings Cross and iconic gay bar Stonewall, on Oxford Street.

The World is the first bar to be approved for extended trading in King’s Cross which has suffered badly with people spending less money at bars in the area as a result of the lockout laws and less foot traffic.

It will be allowed to serve last drinks at 3.30am instead of 3am. Also, the venue will be closed to new revellers at 2am rather than 1.30am.

Iconic gay bar Stonewall, on Oxford Street, has also been given the nod for later trading hours.

Minister for Racing, Paul Toole, announce the longer hours and easing of rules on Friday.

"The later closing time for Stonewall has been approved in time for the 2017 Mardi Gras," Mr Toole said in a statement.

"Stonewall and World Bar demonstrated a genuine orientation towards live entertainment. Live entertainment helps provide more diverse nightlife options."

The latest developments are in addition to three other bars - The Palace Hotel, ArtHouse Hotel and the Observer Hotel – getting their extensions approved as part of a two year trial testing the effectiveness of the laws being relaxed.

The trial allows venues in the CBD and Kings Cross that offer live entertainment to apply for a later 2am lockout, and last drinks at 3.30am.

And the applications for extensions are rolling in.

Liquor & Gaming NSW is already assessing 15 applications for longer hours from other venues.

"I'm pleased there has been such a strong response from the industry to our government's relaxation of lockout laws," Mr Toole said.

The lockout laws were changed three months after former High Court judge Ian Callinan recommended them to the government following an extensive review.

by Leon Gettler, February 17^th 2017