SYDNEY FIRST, GC NEXT?
Gold Coast entertainment precinct venue bosses are cheering a relaxation of Sydney’s liquor licensing laws and hope it filters through
GLITTER Strip bar bosses are hoping a relaxation of Sydney’s stiff drinking laws will filter through to the tourism capital.
The NSW Government scrapped Sydney’s CBD lockout laws introduced in 2014 over Kings Cross violence. The laws stopped patrons entering clubs and bars from 1.30am, with last drinks at 3am. But as of Tuesday the restrictions were lifted – with partons now able to enter venues after 1.30am, last drinks extended half an hour to 3.30am and shots served after midnight.
Hollywood Showgirls and Tipsy Pig owner Craig Duffy said the old laws “damaged” Sydney’s night-time economy and he’s fearful it might happen to the Gold Coast, which still has shot bans after midnight.
“(Sydney’s) laws were strict but now they are more lenient than Queensland’s laws,” he said.
“The Gold Coast, or Queensland, could start to see its own reputation suffering due to our laws now being harsher than Sydney. People have become more responsible. It might be good to look at what Sydney’s done and soften (ours) a bit.”
Hallmark Group general manager Cade Hopman, who oversees Surfers Paradise clubs Retro’s, Finn McCools and Asylum, called for a return to 5am last drinks.
Asked why, Hopman said: “Based on behaviours, security and responsible service of alcohol.”
Surfers Paradise bar and restaurant House of Brews announced on Tuesday it was approved for an extended trading hours licence and can now stay open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Asked if the Gold Coast’s lockout laws should be softened, House of Brews manager Iain McKie said: “I think any decision which would be able to promote any trader in this climate would be better than stopping us to do it.”
Sydney’s laws are now more lenient than Queensland’s