THE tough lockout laws will be lifted for New Year’s Eve to give revellers enough time to get from fireworks festivities on or near the Harbour and into licensed venues without a dangerous rush.

The state government said there were safety concerns over shutting pubs and clubs to new customers at 1.30am.

Instead, people will be able to enter licensed premises in the city and Kings Cross until 3am — but last drinks will remain at that time and trading hours will not change.

The government said it acted on Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing, police and the City of Sydney advice that the later lockout would improve safety.

In particular, there were concerns that boats would all be trying to offload passengers after the midnight fireworks and before 1.30am should the lockout be enforced. Deputy Premier and liquor and hospitality minister Troy Grant’s office said there was a risk of crowded wharves and dangerous disembarking practices as people rushed to get off the water and into the venues.

Mr Grant said the move was also about making sure it was clear that Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations remain of world renown.

media_camera Tourists getting enjoying themselves at Mrs Macquarie's Chair on New Year’s Eve.

However, the change will likely cause some controversy given one of the reasons the lockout laws were introduced was the fatal New Year’s Eve coward-punch on 18-year-old Daniel Christie last year.

“This is a commonsense approach for what is the biggest night on the Sydney calendar,” Mr Grant said.

“Sydney is the greatest city in the world to spend New Year’s Eve and I want people to have fun, be safe and look after their mates.

“We recognise people want to celebrate the start of the New Year — but we also want to maintain there will be no change to the last drinks at 3am or the tough measures we have implemented to protect the community,” he said.

“This is about striking the right balance between common sense, industry and individual responsibility.”

Daniel Christie’s fatal assault occurred on the same strip where Thomas Kelly, 18, was killed by one punch on July 7, 2012.

The lockout laws were announced in January this year after community outcry.

PARTY ON AT BARANGAROO

EXCLUSIVE John Lehmann

SYDNEY’S hottest New Year’s party will be in our newest park — Barangaroo Point on Sydney Harbour. Four thousand tickets are up for grabs today for people to be among the first Sydneysiders in decades to picnic along the Barangaroo shoreline.

Premier Mike Baird revealed the plan to The Daily Telegraph, saying:

“I can’t think of a better place to spend New Year’s Eve.

“Not only does this provide one of the best vantage points on Sydney Harbour for the 9pm and midnight fireworks, it’s an amazing opportunity to get a sneak preview of this spectacular new park before its completion and official opening in the middle of 2015. These will be some of the hottest tickets in town so I encourage families to get in early.”

media_camera Children enjoying last New Year’s Eve in Sydney / Picture: Richard Dobson

Originally published as Lockout laws lifted for New Year’s Eve