NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell announced 1.30am lockouts would be introduced at licensed premises across an expanded Sydney CBD precinct and there would be an end to drinks at 3am.
“This is about trying to send a very clear message to the industry that yes, you can continue to trade after 3 o’clock, but drinks will cease at 3 o’clock.”
Small bars will be exempt from the lockout, along with Star Casino and the area of Barangaroo, where James Packer’s six-star hotel and casino will be built.
“This is not about penalising responsible drinkers,” he said. “It is about attacking the irresponsible acts of those who allow themselves to be intoxicated, whether by drugs or alcohol.”
He said the new restrictions would apply to venues within the area stretching from Kings Cross to Cockle Bay, The Rocks to Haymarket and Darlinghurst.
The premier said there would also be a new statewide closing time of 10pm for bottle shops.
“Licensed venues alone are not the source of all the alcohol problems across NSW, bottle shops have to play their role as well.”
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