Lifting lockout laws and other strict restrictions imposed on venues across Newcastle was the topic of discussion at a meeting between politicians and stake holders held in Newcastle on Wednesday.
Newcastle MP, Tim Crackanthorp met with the Minister for Customer Service, Victor Dominello and Member of the Joint Select Commitee on Sydney's Night Time Economy, MLC Mark Latham to discuss Newcastle’s night time economy and post Covid-19 recovery.
Newcastle MP, Tim Crackanthrop said today was about consultation with local stake holders.
"Today is about seeing what the government can do to ease restrictions particularly post Covid when we have high unemployment."
"It's not just about the lock out laws, but laws that affect small bars as well. I mean you can't get a cocktail in Newcastle after 10pm, its ludicrous. So we need to change the rules around cocktails, we need to let small bars open up later."
"The Upper House inquiry into the night time economy and lock out laws decided to review them after 12 months, that will come up in January after Sydney's have come off. The Minister is here to see what he can do in the interim before that review in undertaken."
Owner of ‘Koutetsu’ a small bar operating on Hunter Street, Christopher Wilson, said extended hours would greatly benefit his business.
"We have to close our bar at midnight, where as you'll find at most other areas in the State it's 2am."
"There weren't any small bars in Newcastle at the time the lockout laws were introduced, so the laws weren't in place for small bars. Newcastle has evolved, with the smaller venues now opening up more and more I think the laws definitely need to be adjusted."
Mr Crackanthorp agreed the laws need to be adjusted, as the City changes.
"These rules were introduced 12 years ago, we've had $1 billion worth of government investment and $2 billion worth of public investment, we've got a vastly different city and the rules and regulations have not changed since them."
"We had a lot of derelict shops before 'Renew Newcastle' came in, and the city was quite violent, things are very different now and the laws need to change as the city changes."
"You don't want to punish all venues for the action of some, we do need to take a staged a approach and take consultation and talk to the community."
Mr Crackanthorp said a review is needed to ensure Newcastle is recognized as a global city.
"I mean we want to be a global city, we're the second largest city in the state and the sixth largest in Australia, we really do need to be able to get people to our city and show them a great night."
"Today's about consulting and seeing what the community thinks."
Mr Wilson says relaxed restrictions would allow him to give more hours to his staff, after having to stand down four workers during the pandemic.
"If we could trade just a couple more hours a night, that would be massive to give my staff back their hours and gives businesses a fighting change during these hard times," Mr Wilson said.
"Clearly they've got to go through their processes but I do feel positive about us being able to trade until 2am."
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| Koutetsu Bar |
