Keep Sydney Open Calls for Second Rally

Keep Sydney Open is set to hold a second rally on October 9 in support of freeing Sydney’s nighttime economy from legislation such as the lockout laws and last drinks measures. The organisation began calling on support from the industry and members of the public last week following the Callinan Review announcement, saying that more needs to be done to support the city’s pubs, bars and bottleshops.

Last week the Hon Ian Callinan AC QC suggested an extension of the 1.30am lockout and 3am last drinks measures for live entertainment venues by half an hour to a 2am lockout and 3.30am last drinks, but Keep Sydney Open says the recommendation is not enough.

“The suggestion…that a paltry thirty minutes will restore confidence in Sydney as a dynamic city is an insult to all the businesses and Sydneysiders who have weathered the restrictive regime of lockouts for far too long,” the organisation quoted on its Facebook page.

“Thirty minutes will not bring punters back into the city, it will not save businesses on the brink from closure, it will not bring a sense of pride back to Sydney and nor will it impress the international eyes who are watching this saga unfold from afar.

“Therefore we need to show the government that they need to make a more meaningful effort to free our city and its nightlife, while implementing the safe, smart solutions Sydney deserves.”

The advocace group held its first protest in opposition of the legislation in Febaruary. Now the second rally on Sunday 9 October will call for:

• Developing best-practice policing strategies
• Investing in 24/7 public transport
• Implementing integrated urban planning reform
• Encouraging diversification of after-dark activities
• Establishing anti-violence education & intervention campaigns
• Incentivising well-run venues
• Appointing a Night Mayor or similar

“This is about creating a city that all of us want to live in,” Keep Sydney Open added.

The Rally will be held from 12.00 - 5.00pm. A starting location is yet to be announced. Keep an eye on Keep Sydney Open’s Facebook page for more information.

Print PDF