Newcastle's Lock-Out Laws To Be Stripped Back After 15 Years

BY-SHY-ANN ARKINSTALL

16 pubs and clubs in Newcastle's inner city and Hamilton have been approved for relaxed liquor rules which will allow them to stay open and accept entries later, and serve cocktails and shots after 10:00pm, reversing restrictions put in place in 2008.

The 2008 'Newcastle Solution' laws were created to make the city safer and reduce alcohol related crime.

The rules were relaxed for an 12 month trial in 2021-22, and after the trial was deemed "successful" the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority have allowed venues to apply for permanent rule changes.

The ILGA has said venues were assessed on a case-by-case basis, but Newcastle residents, including Alcohol Violence campaigner, Dr. Tony Brown, is concerned the blanket rule will have detrimental affects on patron and police safety. 

Dr. Brown, who is a lecturer at the University of Newcastle and a member of a Newcastle residential group told Newcastle Herald, "Newcastle in 2008 was a literal alcohol bloodbath."

Dr Brown said a 60-80% increase in assaults were reported at venues participating in the trial and is confused about how it's being considered successful. 

The ILGA have not yet released their reasons for deeming the trial a success.

The ILGA reported most participating venues saw improved patronage, overturn and employment opportunities during the trial.

"It's very interesting that those who are making the most profit out of selling excessive amounts of alcohol are calling the trial a success."

"It's not until we see more preventable deaths... that the government may finally put public and police safety ahead of pub profits," Dr Brown said.

Clubs such as King Street Hotel, Customs House, Finnegans, Argyle House and Queens Wharf Hotel are among those approved for the relaxed rules. 

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp was unavailable for comment but has welcomed the approvals and said the old rules were "outdated".

Mixed Reactions to Newcastle's Scrapped Lock-Out Laws

BY OLIVIA DILLON

There's been mixed reactions to the decision to remove Newcastle's lock-out laws after 15 years. 

The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) has announced, they will put an end to the existing controls, and allow venues to apply to extend their liquor trading licenses on a case-by-case basis. 

It comes after a trial was conducted, removing 1:00am and 1:30am lock-outs at some venues, and allowing them to serve shots and cocktails until late. 

The trial found an increase in the overall number of alcohol-related assaults and incidents of affray, however, they were localised to a few of the region's largest venues. 

In response to the decision, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said he welcomes the change, and you can't punish all local venues for the ones doing the wrong thing. 

However, community campaigner Dr Tony Brown, says the decision isn't about patron safety. 

"Unfortunately, what the government and ILGA have done, is preferred the uninformed assertions from the alcohol lobby to override the police, health and community's evidence. That's diabolical in terms of where our city is going," Dr Brown said.  

"What this tells us, is that this political decision-making process, which is highly confidential and non-transparent, has effectively been captured by the powerful alcohol lobby." 

Dr Brown also said the ILGA board should consult with health and emergency service workers during the decision-making process. 

"The simple, evidence-based answer is: if you reduce, by modest amounts, the availability and supply of alcohol, which includes trading hours, the international and local evidence says, it's one of the most effective measures to reduce harms." 

Liquor Authority Decides Last Drinks For "Most Violent" Hamilton Pub

BY IAN CROUCH

The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has decided to impose tighter trading restrictions on The Sydney Junction Hotel at Hamilton.

It follows a request from Newcastle Police amid concerns about several assaults at or near the venue.

The board of the authority has decided the hotel will stop serving drinks at 1.30am between Monday and Saturday instead of 3am.

The changes come into force from July 1 - it comes after the authority named the Junction Hotel as the most violent venue in NSW.

The owner of the hotel is appealing the authority's decision.

Sydney Junction Hotel Named Most Violent Venue In NSW