It looks like results of the inquiry into Sydney‘s lockout laws are going to be pushed back, after former Justice of the High Court Ian Callinan, who’s heading up the inquiry, was granted an extension until September 13th.
Supposedly it’s because they’re waiting for more evidence and are reviewing a recent Supreme Court decision regarding the laws, which is likely in reference to the recent ruling that a number of places – including strip clubs and live music venues – would be exempt from the lockout.
That decision really did not please Liquor And Gaming NSW, issuing a statement on the weekend reiterating that they will still be policing fun:
“The decision was based on a technical legal argument in relation to the power of the secretary of the Department of Justice to declare a venue to be subject to the lockout and 3am cease service laws. Lockout laws continue to apply … (and) compliance officers will be conducting operations this weekend.”
The results of the inquiry will help determine the impact the laws have had on night life for both punters and business owners and will (in theory) help inform the decision as to whether they will stay in place.
Source: Music Feeds.
Photo: Getty Images / Cole Bennetts.
