Sydney lockout time pushed back to 3am for New Year's Eve | Australia news | The GuardianSydney lockout time pushed back to 3am for New Year's Eve | Australia news | The Guardian










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Sydney



Sydney lockout time pushed back to 3am for New Year's Eve









The 1.30am lockout imposed after the one-punch death of Daniel Christie will be relaxed to allow for midnight fireworks














The lockout laws in the centre of Sydney will be relaxed on New Year’s Eve, but last drinks will remain at 3am. Photograph: Joe Castro/AAP



Australian Associated Press


Sunday 30 November 2014 21.59 EST







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Sydney’s lockout laws will be relaxed for New Year’s Eve, a year after the one-punch death that prompted their introduction.
The 1.30am lockout will be extended until 3am on 1 January over concerns revellers who have been on boats for the fireworks will not be able to make it to pubs and clubs in time.
Last drinks will remain at 3am and trading hours will remain the same.
The New South Wales police commissioner, Andrew Scipione, said the change would avoid potential panic as crowds rushed to get to the city centre before the lockout.
“We do realise that Sydney on New Year’s Eve is really ... the focal point for Australia when it comes to crowds,” he said on Monday. “We are looking forward to a much more peaceful NYE celebration this year.”
Liquor laws in NSW were strengthened following the one-punch death of Daniel Christie in January.
The 18-year-old had his life support turned off more than a week after he was knocked to the ground and hit his head on concrete in Kings Cross last New Year’s Eve.
Some groups have pointed out that Christie was punched about 9pm, and a 1.30am lockout would not have saved him.
Police Association vice president Pat Dooley says it is more important people are cut off from drinking than locked out of venues.
“Of all the measures they could relax for one night, the lockout is probably the one that causes us the least concern,” he said. “All our research shows the most effective measure is the three o’clock cessation of trade.”
The association, which was not consulted before the changes, wants the effects of the extended period to be measured.
The deputy premier and hospitality minister, Troy Grant, has not ruled out changing the lockout for other major events if New Year’s Eve goes smoothly.



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