Last Lockout Laws Removed

Twelve years since the lockout laws were imposed, the NSW Government has now removed the final major lockout conditions, including mandated use of plastic cups and per-person drink limits.

These remaining restrictions have remained in place for venues in the lockout zones of the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross. 

While few clubs are materially impacted by these changes, ClubsNSW has long advocated for proportionate, right-sized rules that reward clubs operating safe, responsible and compliant venues. Instead, the suite of lockout laws imposed blanket, one-size-fits-all restrictions.

ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant joined the Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham, for this morning’s announcement in Kings Cross.

A review by Liquor & Gaming NSW found that many of the remaining lockout restrictions are no longer fit for purpose, and that safety could be maintained through a targeted, case-by-case approach and ensuring individual venues are adhering to existing RSA requirements, plans of management and licence conditions. This ensures good operators are not punished just because they are operating in a location deemed high-risk.

The review determined three measures should be retained for venues in the lockout zones - the violent incident registers, preserving crime scenes and a ban on outlaw motorcycle gang colours or insignia.

Announced on 21 January 2014, the lockout laws were imposed on the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross in response to instances of alcohol-related violence at the time. These restrictions initially included the 1:30am lockout provision, after which no new patrons could enter a venue.

More information can be found here.