The NSW Government has insisted it plans to respond to proposed changes to Sydney's lockout laws "before the end of 2016" following reports that Premier Mike Baird has considered delaying the review until the end of next January.
According to The Daily Telegraph, there is just one cabinet meeting left in 2016 (slated for 15 December) and Baird has reportedly told colleagues they will wait for the new year to look at recommendations made by judge Ian Callinan.
It is reported that Baird is concerned about another one-punch attack occurring over the summer, however a spokesperson has denied that discussion of the lockouts will be delayed until 2017.
"There is further work being done by Liquor and Gaming NSW on issues around maintaining a vibrant night-time economy in Sydney," the spokesperson said.
"The government still intends to respond to the Callinan Review before the end of 2016."
It has been speculated that changes to the laws will be minor, with reports suggesting the lockouts could be pushed back by just 30 minutes, though liquor stores may be able to operate until midnight.
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