NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay is calling on the Berejiklian Government to lift the Sydney lockout laws in time for Christmas and to appoint a night time economy minister "immediately".
It comes after the NSW Premier confirmed plans were underway to remove the laws from Sydney's CBD, while a report on Sydney's night time economy, released in September, recommended the removal of the 1.30am lockouts, "prohibition on service of certain drinks after midnight" including shots and "the 3am cessation of service". '
“With the economic storm clouds gathering and a softening of local retail spending, lifting the lockout laws in the CBD could serve as a stimulus measure for the economy,” McKay said in a statement today.
“Many businesses have had a tough year: the lifting would be two-fold, it would respond to community calls and it would also bring life back to the CBD – and increase spending. If venues feel they are ready for the change then they should be given the choice to open later.”
McKay added that on the back of findings that NSW's night time economy business contributed up to 17% of the state’s economy, a night time minister should be introduced.
"It should fall to the new Night Time Economy Minister to liaise with the Transport Minister to manage the challenges of the new light rail going through the city and to ensure the safety of patrons," she said.
"The Government’s bungling of the light rail project shouldn’t delay breathing life in to the CBD.”
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