Mr Kelly said he received a call on Tuesday morning from the Premier to forewarn him that she was about to announce a review of lockout laws. "I do think we need these reviews because if it stands at the end of three months that there is enough evidence that the link between alcohol and violence has decreased, and that we are now deemed to be a city which is safer for everyone to enjoy the amenities of its nightlife, then I guess it is 101 that we should relax or completely pull out lockout laws," Mr Kelly said. He said that if the repeal of the laws meant that "we are going to go back to what it was like back in 2012 and before, then obviously they should be kept. "We don't want to see violence back on our streets. It's not good for us as a city, as a community, nobody wants that." Mr Kelly said he believed events like Vivid, which started on Friday, made Sydney a safer place.

Killed by a single punch: Thomas Kelly. Credit:NSW Police Media But the announcement of the review was criticised by some leading health professionals, including Nadine Ezard, clinical director of Alcohol and Drug Services at St Vincent's Hospital. "Five years ago, the impact of alcohol-related violence and injuries on the hospital, in terms of presentations and admissions, was nothing short of severe," Dr Ezard said. "From our perspective, the measures have been a success." She pointed to a 60 per cent reduction in serious fractures, and said alcohol-related injuries had "plummeted".

Tony Sara from the Last Drinks campaign – which represents some police and ambulance officers, nurses and doctors – said he could not understand why there would be another review. "We would think the facts are fairly clear that the lockout laws have been very successful, they've saved lives, they've prevented serious injuries," Dr Sara said. "About 1800 assaults have not happened as a result of the lockout laws. We would say what is the point? What is going on here?" Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video But Sydney Business Chamber policy director Chris Lamont said while the lockout laws had curbed alcohol-related violence "it's clear they've had a negative impact on the vibrancy of our city".

Loading Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the laws had taken a "sledgehammer" to Sydney's nightlife. "As the committee considers winding back the laws, it must consider other measures to ensure a safe and vibrant nightlife," Cr Moore tweeted on Wednesday. The Australia Hotel Association NSW director of liquor and policing John Green said: "The lockouts are blanket measures which have hurt many good venues." Labor will support the review and has nominated a member from each house to sit on the committee.