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."
