The controversial alcohol lockout laws in the CBD and Kings Cross appear to be impacting on the distinctive night-life of the inner west.

There are growing concerns that although the laws, designed to curb alcohol-related violence in parts of the city, don’t currently cover the region, new liquor licences – even for restaurants and small bars which close early – are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain.

In response to these concerns, Marrickville Council recently passed a motion designed to protect Newtown and Enmore’s thriving late-night precincts.

media_camera Alcohol-related violence in Kings Cross and the CBD led to the new lockout laws.

The Stinking Bishops, a new cheese and wine venue without a late licence on Enmore Rd, has been hugely successful in its early weeks of trading but faced a battle to obtain their licence.

Owners Jamie Nimmo and Kieran Day put in their initial application before the new laws were introduced in January.

They believed their advocacy of a more sedate and European-style approach to alcohol and food culture would mean their application to the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing was a formality.

undefined

But Mr Nimmo said this proved to be a mistake.

“We were applying at a time when there was a shift in political attitudes towards alcohol,” he said.

“That meant we were slightly caught in the middle of policy changes.

“We were pulled up on things that we hadn’t covered that were in the new policy even though we first applied under the old one, so there were a few hiccups along the way.”

The police flagged an objection to the venue’s application forcing them venue to pay for an the significant cost of hiring a licensing lawyer.

media_camera There are fears that the state government lockout laws could change Newtown nightlife. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

Eventually the application was granted soon after Stinking Bishops opened but they traded for three days without alcohol.

Mr Nimmo said he was frustrated that applications don’t seem to be judged on individual merit, a charge denied by the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority denied.

Marrickville Greens councillor Sylvie Ellsmore raised the motion in April, citing council figures that showed the rate of assaults had dropped at the same time as the council had granted more late night trading hours and approved more late-night venues.

“Newtown and Enmore has a diverse range of entertainment venues and a strong community committed to ensuring that Newtown remains inclusive and distinct,” Cr Ellsmore said.

media_camera Small bars like Earl's Juke Joint in Newtown help give the suburb a distinct night-time character.

“Live music venues, local small bars, restaurants, cafes that serve alcohol and local theatres are all part of what contributes to a generally safe, positive drinking culture in Newtown and Enmore.”

Information before Marrickville Council included extracts from a NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics report stating the relationship between assaults and alcohol venues depends on the type of alcohol outlet and type of community.

New statistics on alcohol-related violence since the introduction of the lockout are expected in early June