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The NSW Government has announced Sydney’s last remaining major lockout law, the mandated policy for 3.30am last drinks, has officially ended, in what will be welcome news to Sydneysiders, live-music lovers and small business owners. The mandated use of plastic cups, the requirement for RSA marshals after midnight at certain venues, the blanket per-person drinks limit and the ban on the promotion of shots during late trade in the precincts have also been scrapped.
Enforced in 2014 following Sydney’s alcohol-fuelled violence problem – which resulted in the tragic deaths of Thomas Kelly and Daniel Christie – the infamous lockout laws, including the 1.30am lockout provision, had a devastating impact on Sydney’s nightlife economy, bars and clubs. More than half of Sydney’s live music venues closed in the following decade, and a generation of Sydneysiders missed out on experiencing a thriving, vibrant nightlife.
A recent review by Liquor & Gaming NSW found that while there has been a downward trend in alcohol-related nighttime assaults, the final remaining lockout laws were no longer necessary, and safety can be achieved through a targeted, case-by-case approach by venues.
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said: “Twelve years to the day since they were announced, we are now declaring the lockout laws have been completely abolished. I’m delighted to say goodbye to this chapter of Sydney’s nightlife story.
“The lockouts had good intentions but a diabolical impact on the night-time economy and the reputation of our city. These were the laws that saw Madonna and Justin Bieber not allowed into their own after-parties, and the decimation of the club scene that spawned RÜFÜS DU SOL and Flight Facilities.
“Once we took a closer look at all the regulations restricting the NSW night-time economy, we realised the lockouts were just the tip of the iceberg. Since coming to office, we’ve been slashing red tape that was pushing venues out of business and stopping grown adults from having fun.
“We’re rebuilding the night-time economy neighbourhood by neighbourhood, so people right across NSW have exciting and diverse nightlife options closer to home,” Minister Graham added.
Revitalising Sydney’s night-time economy has been a key priority for the Minns Government since coming into office in 2023, with a range of vibrancy reforms now in place. These include venues no longer being able to be shut down due to a single noise complaint, the (very outdated) standing-while-drinking rule being scrapped, and the removal of sign-up rules at clubs and RSLs, among others.
Live music has also been a major focus, with the government introducing extended trading hours for venues that host live performances. More than 521 venues have taken up the government’s music program – close to four times the number there were when the government took office. How good’s that?!
The creation of Special Entertainment Precincts (SEPs) – designated areas that allow local councils to manage trading hours and sound conditions, increasing night-time vibrancy – has also seen neighbourhoods across Sydney flourish with after-hours fun. There are currently seven SEPs in NSW, including Enmore Road, Balmain, Dulwich Hill, Leichhardt, Marrickville North, Marrickville Town Centre and Rozelle. Eight more are going into trial, including Fairfield, while 20 local councils are currently working to establish SEPs, including Kiama, Tamworth, Manly, Cronulla, Burwood and Liverpool.
Experts say that while Kings Cross may never return to its heyday, Sydney is evolving into a night-time economy more like Tokyo’s, with nightlife buzzing in neighbourhoods from Manly to Burwood.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: “I’m pleased to call time on the lockout laws after a thorough and considered review by Liquor & Gaming NSW found no compelling reason to single out licensed venues in the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross with outdated restrictions.
“Instead, we’re taking a far smarter approach to safety through targeted, risk-based regulation rather than blanket conditions, ensuring venues doing the right thing are not hammered by a blunt instrument.
“The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has confirmed downward trends in alcohol-related violence in the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross over the past five years following earlier changes to lockout laws, including the extension of last drinks from 3am to 3.30am and the repeal of the 1.30am lockout.
“Existing measures under the Liquor Act, such as Responsible Service of Alcohol laws and the ability to impose restrictions on high-risk venues, will help ensure a safe, responsible and vibrant hospitality sector.”
Australian Hotels Association Director of Policy Chris Gatfield added: “This is great news – Sydney couldn’t be considered a truly 24-hour city until these lockout restrictions were removed.
“This is another very welcome reform by the Minns Government, following many others that have already made a real impact on Sydney’s nightlife.”
We will cheers to that!
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