‘Keep Sydney Open’ Announces Urgent Protest To Stick It To Lockouts Review

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Published

September 14, 2016

RED BLOODY ALERT, SYDNEY.

After yesterday’s tough pill to swallow that was Justice Ian Callinan‘s review into Sydney’s highly contentious lockout laws was handed down, Keep Sydney Open has announced an urgent rally to further protest the Baird Government‘s alcohol-related legislation.

The previous Keep Sydney Open rally attracted some 15,000 punters, all keen to add their weight behind the growing push against the laws, which have seen Sydney’s reputation as a vibrant international city severely damaged, and night-life related businesses in the area hit with huge financial losses.

Yesterday’s review into the laws handed down recommendations that included the loosening of restrictions on bottle shop trading hours extended to 11pm from the current limit of 10pm, and extending venue licenses by a mere half hour, provided that pub is providing entertainment such as live music. Both of which would be conducted under a 3-year trial, should the recommendations be adopted.

In a statement issued this afternoon, Keep Sydney Open’s Tyson Koh asserted that this trial would not be enough to arrest threat to Sydney’s cultural life and night time economy, which includes many businesses teetering on the brink of collapse.

“It’s good to finally hear what Sydneysiders have already known for a long time, that these laws are putting

Sydney’s reputation as a dynamic, international city at risk.”

“We shouldn’t have to settle for lock-them-up-and-throw-away-the-key policy solutions, when only an

hour’s flight away Melbourne has created a safe and dynamic nightlife with a cool-headed smart policy.”

“With each passing day the lockouts are in place, Sydney’s cultural life is damaged, small businesses are

jeopardised and our internationally recognised artistic talent is finding it harder to be paid for their work. A thirty minute extension misses the point, that Sydney wants policy that encourages safe and

vibrant nightlife at anytime. Major cities around the world can do it and we can too.”

The organisation today announced an urgent rally which is scheduled for Sunday, October 9th to again protest the laws, calling instead for evidence based policy and investment in alternative anti-violence social policies such as 24/7 public transport, appointing a Night Mayor for the lockout-affected precincts, incentivising venues that are well-run and exhibit low instances of violence, and establishing anti-violence education and intervention programs.

“In February, 15,000 Sydneysiders joined us on the streets to demand smart policy solutions, and they’ve

made it clear to us that we must keep fighting for Sydney’s nightlife.”

Even in light of Justice Callinan’s recommendations, Keep Sydney Open remains dogged in their assertion that the best-practice policies involve the removal of the 1:30am lockout and the 3:00am last drinks, as well as the removal of restrictions on bottle shops, and the unfreezing of liquor license applications.

“We will work with the government and relevant stakeholders in any way we can to improve

the living standard of all Sydneysiders.”

The finer details on the protest will come over the following days, and you can keep abreast of all the details at the Keep Sydney Open Facebook page.

You did it once before, Sydneysiders. Now it’s time to do it again.

If you don’t like the lockouts, go vote with your feet.

Photo: Chloe Sergeant/Pedestrian TV.