The controversial “last drinks” rule at 3:30 a.m., the mandatory use of public cups, and the requirement for Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) marshals after midnight are all being eliminated from certain venues.
Expressing satisfaction with the decision, Gaming and Racing Minister David Harris announced, “I am pleased to call time on the lockout laws. Following a thorough and considered review by Liquor and Gaming NSW, we found no compelling reason to continue singling out licensed venues in Sydney’s CBD and Kings Cross with these outdated restrictions.”
The decision comes after a report from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research indicated a decline in alcohol-related violence in the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross over the last five years. This trend followed previous adjustments made to the lockout laws, such as extending the last drinks from 3 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. and repealing the 1:30 a.m. lockout.
“These included an extension of last drinks from 3am to 3.30am and the repeal of the 1.30am lockout.”
