Peak Industry Body Comments on Callinan Review

Alcohol Beverages Australia Executive Director, Mr. Fergus Taylor has responded to the independent NSW state liquor law review by former High Court judge Ian Callinan, which was released to the public this week. Responding today, Taylor said the release of the Callinan Review was an excellent opportunity for the State Government to let the people of NSW know it has listened to their objections.

The review considered the impact and the effectiveness of the 1.30am lockout laws, 3am termination of liquor sales, 10pm take-away liquor laws and the annual liquor licence fee program.

The lockout laws were introduced in 2014 in the aftermath of two shocking acts of violence, following public and media outcry for swift changes to be made. Changes in policy made in haste often come attached with unintentional consequences, the NSW Lockout Laws being a prime example.

The changes were promptly followed with disdain and disapproval from the public and the industry, kick-starting the Keep Sydney Open movement with thousands taking to the streets in protest.

Taylor said, “The review is an opportunity for the State Government to wind back these restrictive laws and show NSW people it’s listening to what they’re saying.”

“At the core of these laws is the question of how much the Government should determine what choices responsible adults are allowed in their lives, and this is why they’ve proved so unpopular,” Mr. Taylor said.

“The alcohol beverages industry is ready to work with the Government and will support changes that will more fairly allow businesses to operate and encourage Sydneysiders and visitors to come out again and breathe nightlife back into the city,” Mr. Taylor said.

The Callinan Review, however, neglected addressing many of the problems the community has found in the laws, including;

• The sale of takeaway alcohol, whether before or after 10pm, makes little or no contribution to violence and anti-social behaviour in the Precincts, even less so when it is home delivered.
• Reduction in opportunities for live entertainers – this has occurred.
• Choice has been reduced because of earlier closing hours.
• Opportunities for employment in the precincts have been reduced.
• Some casual and shift workers have lost employment opportunities in the Precincts.
• Some shift workers are unable to access venues as a result of the amendments. 
• Planning controls by way of highly conditioned approvals are unlikely to be a complete or entirely satisfactory means of regulating the sale and consumption of alcohol and its consequences.

Mr. Taylor said most disappointing part of the review was the lack of acknowledging the importance of other methods in tackling anti-social and violent behaviour.

“The Callinan review uses the popular term “alcohol-fuelled violence” and accepts the availability theory which allows the violent to hide behind their drinks as an excuse for their behaviour.”

“We have to do more to solve violence and anti-social behaviour than simply reducing the availability of alcohol,” Taylor said.

“We strongly urge the Government to consider more trains, bigger and better taxi ranks, better street design and facilities, increased policing, stronger penalties for offenders and more cultural change and education to help tackle these issues across the longer term,” said Taylor.

After considering the review, the government will evaluate and deliver its response before the end of the year.

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