Sydney-siders rejoice! The Sydney lockout laws have now been changed, with Mike Baird extending lockout by half an hour. Lockout will now be 2am and the last drinks law has been changed to 3.30am in venues with live entertainment.
The previous highly controversial 1.30am lockout and 3.30am last drinks laws were introduced in 2014. It caused a large stir, with more than 1800 submissions campaigning for Sydney’s lockout laws to be “relaxed.”
Three months ago former High Court judge (AKA Aussie legend) Ian Callinan recommended the government change the much hated laws. Mr Callinan advised that a 2am lockout law and 3.30am last drinks law in venues with live entertainment be trialled for two years. He also suggested that the state-wide ban on takeaway alcohol sales after 10pm be shifted to 11pm, and to midnight for home delivery.
Police minister Troy Grant said the changes will keep the focus on community safety.
“We’ve found a balance that will contribute to lessening alcohol-fuelled violence whilst still allowing our global city to thrive and be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike,” he said.
Basically we get a whole half an hour more to make our way to venues and an extra 30 mins to order some vodka redbulls. It may not be much, but we’ll take it.
