Maybe this is how the lockout laws are eventually phased out. Maybe instead of them being lifted in one sweeping go, the Government instead simply slowly lifts restrictions on individual pubs until the “lockout law” conditions are more or less what the old model used to look like.

The NSW Government has revealed a total of 20 Sydney pubs and clubs inside the lockout zone will have their trading restrictions eased, meaning they’ll all be able to remain open for an extra half an hour each.

The relaxed conditions means the venues granted the extended trade will now be able to call last drinks at 3:30am, rather than 3:00am, with the official lockout also pushed out from 1:30am until 2:00am. The Government hopes these extensions will give areas affected by the lockout a boost, following repeated criticism that the prohibitive laws – aimed at curbing street violence – have had the effect of totally killing off nightlife in the area.

Venues had to apply individually for the exemption, having to state their case for the extended trade on the basis of their track record and their status as a live entertainment venue.

The full list of bars and clubs granted the exemption is as follows:

Mr B’s Hotel

The ArtHouse Hotel

Palace Hotel

The World Bar

Observer Hotel

Stonewall Hotel

The Scary Canary

O’Malley’s Hotel

The Basement

Republic Hotel

The Cliff Dive

Oxford Art Factory

Brighton Hotel

ARQ Sydney

Burdekin Hotel

Kings Cross Hotel

Kinselas Hotel

Potts Point Hotel

Establishment

Slip Inn

NSW Racing Minister Paul Toole stated that the exemptions would hopefully provide Sydney’s musicians more opportunity to perform.

“I’m really pleased with the strong industry response to our government’s relaxation of liquor laws for the Kings Cross and CBD precincts. The extended trading is a key part of our renewed focus on providing diverse night-time entertainment options while balancing the need for community safety.”

The Kings Cross Hotel, it should be noted, was the site of a Vivid show from a Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater cover band that was shut down by police at 9:30pm after just 4 songs had been played.

Whether the “relaxed” licensing conditions means shit like that won’t occur again quite obviously remains to be seen.

Source: The Daily Telegraph.

Photo: Kings Cross Hotel/Facebook.