‘Keep Sydney Open’ Rally Expects 12,000

Twelve thousand people will take to Sydney’s streets this weekend to protest against existing lockout laws in NSW. The protest follows the announcement that former High Court Justice, the Hon. Ian Callinan AC QC, will soon lead an independent, evidence-based review of the 1.30am lockouts, 3am last drinks legislation and 10pm restriction of take-away liquor sales.

The protest has been initiated by advocacy group Keep Sydney Open, which was set up by industry early in 2014 in opposition of the legislation introduced by the NSW State Government.

Protestors will meet at Belmore Park in Central at 12.30pm, before making its way into the CBD just after 1pm, stopping in front of Bar Century, which recently announced that it will be closing its doors on February 27, due in part to a drop in night-time trade.

Here, the protest will stage a mock funeral for all the closed venues, small businesses and jobs lost since the lockouts.

What the protest is calling for:

- The removal of the 1:30am lockout
- 3am cease of service exemptions for licensed premises that are predominantly live music venues
- An end to the new licence freeze for predominantly live music venues and small bars
- The lifting of restrictions on retail hours
- Late-night public transport
- The introduction of a Night Mayor responsible for the night economy
- An invitation from government to discuss next steps
- Police to work with not against responsible venues who provide safe nights out in a global city

Keep Sydney Open is simultaneously calling on industry and members to sign a petition addressed to Premier Mike Baird, that asks for the introduction of a holistic and lateral approach to improving the safety of Sydney’s nightlife as opposed the lockout laws.

“We demand smarter solutions – transport, CCTV, tougher sentencing, density and diversity of licensed premises, venue management, culture as a placating tool and the tendency towards violence among certain groups of individuals.

“Safety is a goal shared by everyone. It’s important to remember that the main beneficiaries are the very people who wish to go out. We believe that safety and late-night socialising aren’t mutually exclusive. With considered, innovative policies we can achieve a desired outcome together and Keep Sydney Open.”

drinks bulletin is currently speaking with United Voice to find out what role the union will be playing in the review of the legislation. We’ll be updating this story shortly.

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