Sydney’s lockout laws have devastated small business, caused massive job losses, and allowed the state government to tell responsible adults when it’s our bedtime.

Research now reveals that they’ve failed to make our city safer, have intensified crime in existing hotspots, and displaced much of it to Pyrmont, Newtown, and the surrounding areas.

If Sydney embraced a 24/7 economy like other world cities such as London and Amsterdam, then our economy could gain a whopping $16 billion+ boost every year.

That’s more opportunities, more jobs, more money in our pockets, and more great experiences in the city we know and love.

All we need is a bit of your help to make this happen.

After years of pressure, the NSW government are finally beginning to listen. They’ve set up an Inquiry on Sydney’s Nightlife Economy. And ending lockouts for good could be on the table.

Use our form below to reach committee members and let them know that it’s time to embrace Sydney’s 24/7 future. Support businesses, workers and responsible Australian adults who have the right to have a good time.

Repeal lockout laws once and for all.

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Thank you for your role on the Joint Select Committee on Sydney’s Nighttime Economy. I am a concerned Sydneysider who opposes the NSW government’s ‘lockout laws’. I believe that hardworking businesses such as bars, clubs and restaurants should be able to service responsible customers when they choose. I believe that allowing Sydney to thrive as a 24/7 world economy, much like leading international cities such as London and Amsterdam, will generate plenty of jobs and opportunities, put money into people’s pockets at a time of stagnating real wages, create amazing new experiences for Sydneysiders, and boost our city’s international profile and reputation. Deloitte Access Economics estimates that it could add over $16 billion a year to Greater Sydney’s GDP. It would also generate a revenue windfall for the government and can be achieved without compromising community safety or public health. I note the research from both BOSCAR and the City of Sydney which shows that while the lockout laws have been followed by a drop in violent incidents, they have also been followed by a massive drop in foot traffic. The NSW Office of Liquor and Gaming finds that this has been followed by the closure of over 428 licensed establishments, as well as many restaurants and other businesses falling outside the liquor industry. I do not believe that promoting community safety means punishing hardworking businesses and the vast majority if responsible adult drinkers. I do not believe that it means displacing crime to surrounding suburbs while intensifying it in the affected areas. I do not believe that it means encouraging a culture of pre-loading where revelers start early and imbibe significantly more alcohol in unmoderated settings such as their home before they arrive in town to enjoy the rest of their night- a phenomenon which has become more prevalent since the lockouts. I do not believe that it means a culture of penalising or restricting the act of drinking itself, which most Australians enjoy in moderation, rather than policing anti-social, irresponsible or violent behaviour. That the City of Sydney recently unanimously voted to allow 24/7 trading hours for shops and other businesses, shows that there is no reason why the state government should stand in the way of this night-time economy extending to licensed establishments where patrons are less likely to drink irresponsibly or become victims of assault than elsewhere such as out on the street or at home. The lockouts are also totally misplaced in addressing the problems of immoderate or anti-social alcohol-related behaviour. Over 80% of drinking occurs at home and 14.8% of NSW residents over 65 drink daily compared to a paltry 0.8% for those aged 16-24. Drinking amongst young people is at lows not seen since the 1960s. There is no reason for the kind of ‘moral panic’ which has justified draconian lockout laws that have crippled the city’s night-time economy and turned vast swathes of it into a ghost town after dark. I thank you for considering my concerns and urge you and the rest of the committee to recommend that the Berejiklian government repeal the lockout laws. Yours faithfully,

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