NIGHT TIME INDUSTRIES WELCOME CBD LOCKOUT SCRAP
The announcement from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian that the NSW Government will be rolling back lockout laws in Sydney’s CBD has been welcomed by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA).
Michael Rodrigues, Chair, NTIA – representing a diverse range of stakeholders and venues from the hospitality, entertainment, and arts and culture sectors – said, “To say the repeal of the CBD lockouts is welcomed is an understatement.
This is going to give parts of the city’s nightlife a unique opportunity to work with the community and the Government to rebuild a vibrant and thriving future for our night time in the city area – but the work isn’t done yet.”
“The Government’s inquiry into Sydney’s night time, shed light on many issues, including the reputation damage done to Sydney as a whole, due to how downgraded our nightlife culture has become.
We’re keenly looking forward to the report from this inquiry due 30 September which we expect will more fully address the suite of reforms needed to unlock the power of Sydney’s night time economy,” said Mr Rodrigues.
Mr Rodrigues also further commented, “Our concern in the interim remains that as long as lockouts are in place in Kings Cross, Sydney’s global brand reputation will be unnecessarily tarnished.”
Mr Rodrigues explained there was an urgent need to get the message out there that – all of Sydney is here for everyone to enjoy, and not locked u.p –
“There is going to need to be a lot more work done beyond lockouts to restore the perception of Sydney and put the region back on the map as a global destination.
Of course Sydney can have a safe and inclusive entertainment culture, that recognises the valid concerns of police and health service providers. But we can do this in a way where we can seize the opportunity to create a thriving nightlife, creating jobs and contributing millions to the economy. If other cities around the world can do it, so can we.
We look forward to this being one of many steps the Government will take to revitalise our city’s nightlife.” concluded Rodrigues.
Media enquiries: Claire Maloney | 0431 279 785 | claire@thebraveryishere.com
Available for interview: Michael Rodrigues, Chair, Night Time Industries Association
Previous media commentary from Mike Rodrigues and NTIA:
- Sydney Morning Herald; ‘Sydney should shine after dark’ (Feb 2019)
- Daily Telegraph; ‘Resurrect live music industry’ (Feb 2019)
- 2SER; ‘How NTIA plans to save Sydney’s night life’ (March 2019)
- TimeOut; ‘Why Sydney rated 10th worst, and what can we do about it?’ (March 2019)
More about Night Time Industries Association:
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) is here to promote Sydney as a vibrant and creative city, and to build a new positive narrative for Sydney’s nightlife.
The NTIA consists of members representing: hospitality (bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants), entertainment venues, festivals, retail operators, arts and culture organisations, precincts and other commercial businesses with an interest in the night time economy.
Members include; APRA AMCOS, Sydney Festival, Sydney Theatre Company, Australian Venue Co, Sonos Australia, Playbill Venues, Century Venues, Committee for Sydney, Live Nation, Mary’s Group, Music NSW, Oxford Art Factory, Solotel Group and Ticketmaster – to name a few – for more, go to ntia.org.au
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