BY ISABEL EVERETT
Lockout laws are set to be lifted across the board in Newcastle under a 12 month trial.
Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello made the announcement at Newcastle Bar, Blue Kahuans on Wednesday.
It comes after restrictions were lifted in Sydney's Kings Cross earlier in March.
The trial which kicks of in May, will see patrons able to enter licensed premises right until closing time, with restrictions on liquor trading hours to be extended from 3.00am to 3.30am.
The sale of certain types of drinks, such as high strength cocktails and spirits will be lifted as well.
Upper House Member Mark Latham says the trial is a chance to rebuild Newcastle's night time economy.
"Like Sydney and Kings Cross have had their lockout conditions lifted, Newcastle will be able to have a successful, high employment night time economy."
The trial follows a one in October 2020 which saw more than two dozen small bars and restaurants in Newcastle able to extend their trading hours, and serve drinks which have more than 30ml of alcohol.
Mr Latham, who recently re-located to Newcastle, says the trial will gather evidence.
"Obviously we don't want any public safety problems."
"What I don't like about the advocates of lockdown, they're basically saying unlike the rest of the State, these lockdowns have to be here based on the basis that Novacastrians are thugs. They're not."
Mr Latham says the trial would build up tourism jobs.
"The city is on the launching pad of huge success and economic boom and it's got to have mature and successful tourism and night time economy."
"And the lifting of provisions for twelve months, it's not permanent but for twelve months we'll see how it goes, it's got to be the start of a whole new economic environment and jobs boom for Newcastle."
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the trial would set the scene for the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority to consider a permanent relaxation of restrictions on a case-by-case basis.
“Newcastle is an engine room of our state’s economy and it’s not fair to leave the city’s night life stuck in 2008,” Mr Dominello said.
“Where there are incidents of alcohol-related violence arising from late trading hotels, we need to respond with targeted interventions.
“Gone are the days of blanket bans across an entire city - what’s good enough for Sydney is good enough for Newcastle.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said it is important to balance public safety with the needs of businesses.
“This is not by any means a green light for the criminal element to return to Newcastle.”
“We will closely monitor changes in the area and will not accept a return to any sort of violence.”
“Special licence conditions, including late-night lockouts, were imposed on 14 high-risk pubs 13 years ago to curb alcohol related violence. Many of the conditions were later extended to more pubs in Hamilton,” Mr Dominello said.
“The proposed stage two trial will again need to be a joint effort by the government, NSW Police, council and industry.
Relaxed conditions for small bars and restaurants will remain in place until January next year giving venues enough time to apply for permanent modifications.
A comprehensive evaluation of Stage 2 of the trial to examine the impacts on Newcastle’s night-time economy and the community will be completed by September 2022.
