Loading The 24-hour trading bid would not affect the NSW government's controversial 1.30am lockout laws that apply to clubs and pubs across Sydney's CBD and Kings Cross. These laws form part of the over-regulation that Dr Miller believes contributed to the death of many “night economy” businesses and has seen some revellers turn to drugs because it is cheaper than drinking alcohol. "So over-regulated is our entertainment industry that I am often informed by very intelligent people that purchasing illicit substances makes economic sense," Dr Miller said. "Just as public policies have contributed to the death of many 'night economy' businesses and other businesses are slowly dying, we need to understand we are giving birth to a vibrant illegal drugs market.

"More rules won’t work, [we] need to proactively start working with the pub and club industry and helping them to change our culture." David Rowe, emeritus professor at Western Sydney University’s Institute of Culture and Society, said efforts to promote the after-dark economy should consider options beyond drinking and eating such as libraries, galleries and other cultural activities. Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore: "What [people] do not want is a city that is unsafe or that shuts down as soon as the sun goes down". Credit:Michel O'Sullivan “If you want to be a genuinely open city, you have to be open to everyone with a range of activities otherwise it’s monotonous and exclusive,” Professor Rowe said. “You might also need to think about low-cost or no-cost activities particularly those for families.” The council’s proposed changes to planning controls that regulate trading hours and the location of night-time premises have been questioned by small businesses worried about staffing costs and demand from late-night shoppers.

Loading Announcing the proposal, Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: "What [people] do not want is a city that is unsafe or that shuts down as soon as the sun goes down." Professor Rowe said it was important to consider what type of jobs would be required in an expanded after-dark economy. A City of Sydney spokeswoman said the council hoped the proposals would encourage other government institutions and organisations to stay open late. “Our proposals encourage the development of a vibrant, diverse and safe nightlife with round-the-clock offerings for people of all ages and interests,” she said. “They also aim to create more opportunities for business and provide greater certainty by clearly setting out trading hours based on location and business type.”

The spokeswoman added that other levels of government had a role in providing more late-night transport services and reducing red tape for development applications and liquor licences. Phillip Wadds, a lecturer in criminology at the University of NSW and member of the council’s Nightlife and Creative Sector Advisory Panel, said improved public transport late at night was vital. “Making sure people have easy, reliable and affordable means of getting out of the city after a night out is also critical to city safety,” he said. "My own research on the policing and regulation of nightlife often found that a lack of easy transport at the end of the night was cause for frustration and anger, so making sure we back up this policy with proper transport services is key.” Dr Wadds said licensed premises would remain a “central attraction” of city nightlife, but the council’s proposal aimed to spread venues throughout the city. “I don't think this policy will have the immediate effect of inspiring hordes of people to flock into the City later at night to shop or get haircuts, although awesome if it does,” he said.