Lockouts will be put in place across the central business district and Kings Cross at 1.30am - with pubs to shut at 3am - under measures announced by Premier Barry O'Farrell this morning.

The Premier said many would oppose the action but "tough action is needed".

media_camera New measures: Barry O'Farrell

As foreshadowed in The Daily Telegraph today, those guilty of coward punches causing death who are affected by drugs or alcohol will receive a mandatory minimum sentence of eight years with a maximum penalty of 25 years.

Small bars will be exempt from the lockouts.

Responsible service of alcohol online training will be suspended and voluntary intoxication will be removed as a mitigating factor in sentencing.

The maximum sentence for the illegal supply and possession of steroids will be increased from two years to 25 years to bring it in line with Victoria.

TWO IN COURT OVER SEPARATE BASHINGS

Daniel Christie was killed in King's Cross on New year's Eve.

Assault causing bodily harm in company will contain a mandatory minimum of three years and assault against police officers in the execution of duty will contain a two year mandatory minimum sentence.

media_camera A few months ago, this sign held a tribute to Thomas Kelly. Today it is adorned with a sign for Daniel Christie.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF O'FARRELL'S CRACKDOWN? DID HE GO TOO FAR OR NOT FAR ENOUGH?

LET US KNOW BELOW

Police will be empowered to conduct drug and alcohol testing where police suspect an offender has committed an alcohol or drug fuelled violent assault.

Mr O'Farrell has been under pressure to introduce mandatory minimums for "coward punch" offences and to bring in Newcastle-style 1am lockouts to stem the violence in Sydney particularly in Kings Cross.

Yesterday Mr O'Farrell held one of the longest cabinet meetings in his time in office - about five hours - to deal with the issue. He said he was "confident the package being taken to cabinet addresses community concerns and will make a difference".

Originally published as No more drinks after 3am: NSW crackdown