Newcastle City Councillors have endorsed a submission to the state government's review of local liquor licenses.
Their submission could see venues with a record of exemplary behaviour exempt from some licensing conditions.
Among the 17 recommendations is the support of a consistent 1:30am lockout and 3:30am shutdown for all premises, expect those designated as low impact.
A low impact venue has been labelled as those with strong, consistent focuses on noise management and responsible service of alcohol as well as a proven track record on alcohol-related and liquor licensing incidents.
Other recommendations included:
- requiring licensed venues to prepare more robust plans of management and to be more closely scrutinised by Liquor and Gaming NSW.
- requiring licensed venues to retain an employee whose sole function is to supervise responsible service of alcohol throughout the premises,
- undertaking new research into how licensing conditions under the current lock-laws affect specific venues and liquor licence categories.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the city's night-time economy is now worth $1.4 billion a year and employs more than 12,000 people.
"We need laws that reflect the evolution of that night-time economy, which has been led by strong growth in smaller night-time venues attracting a more sophisticated, responsible crowd."
