The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) welcomes the lift of the NSW lockout laws across Sydney’s CBD and Oxford St coming into effect as of 14 January.
Michael Rodrigues, Chair of the NTIAsaid, “This is a turning point for the city and is the result of work by many across government, industry and the general public to get Sydney back on track. Sydneysiders, alongside those who make our night-time great, are ready to see the first steps to a city revival.
“It’s fantastic the city will entertain locals and visitors in a diverse and inclusive nightlife without being rushed around venues closing early. It’s the beginning of Sydney getting its mojo back.
“The lift demonstrates the Government recognises the value of the night-time economy and this is a first step to meaningful reform. It’s crucial we come together and build a nightlife hand-in-hand with all the night time stakeholders to ensure it’s positive and sustainable. We need to channel the spirit of Sydney in the late ‘90s as we prepared to showcase ourselves to the world during the 2000 Olympics. That effort saw all stakeholders come together: industry, health, police and transport, collaborating to produce a great result. We’ll be working with our members and the rest of the night time ecosystem to make sure we use this opportunity to rebuild Sydney’s nightlife, the right way.”
One of NTIA’s members leading the charge is much beloved Sydney venue; Oxford Art Factory (OAF), launching their first lockout free night of trade on Friday, 17 January.
“ The 14th of January is a day in history when we, as providers of all things music and culture, are able to come back to some semblance of how we used to operate successfully five years ago. The OAF welcomes the changes to the lockout laws and will work to make those changes both safe and coherent additions to our trading hours for all who come to us. Onwards and upwards Sydney!” said Mark Gerber, CEO and Founder of OAF.
Another NTIA member thrilled with the positive effects of the decision is Aus Venue Co, with their King St Wharf venues – Cargo, Bungalow 8 and The Loft – to lift the lock out from 14 January on their 3:30am licenses as soon as it is lawful to do; “We are excited to lift the restriction and will be welcoming patrons into the venues until close. These three iconic venues which have been popular with Sydneysiders for over 18 years will be celebrating this exciting start to 2020 with DJs and entertainment every weekend,” said Paul Waterson, Chief Executive Officer from Aus Venue Co.
There is widespread ambition in the night-time industries, to move Sydney’s nightlife beyond alcohol. “ What other great cities of the world have is a ‘going out’ ecosystem that enjoys multifaceted entertainment, without it being singularly focused around drinking. Punters want choice. Licensed venues need to work out how they collaborate with the wider entertainment sector to provide a compelling reason for residents to come out and enjoy an evening filled with possibility,” concluded Rodrigues
Media enquiries: Erin Finn | 0413 538 276 | erin@thebraveryishere.com
Available for interview: Kerri Glasscock, Board member, Night Time Industries Association
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