Sydney's lockout laws to be scrapped after 7 years

Good news for food and beverage in Sydney! 

A year after a partial repeal of Sydney’s controversial lockout laws, one last location will now follow suit. Once deemed ‘high risk’, the inner Sydney suburb of Kings Cross is set to reopen from Monday, March 8 2021, allowing for patrons to enter bars, pubs and nightclubs after 1:30am and continue drinking until 3:30am. 

The news brings much relief for struggling businesses in the Kings Cross area and surrounding suburbs. From their initial introduction back in February 2014, many Kings Cross institutions including the famous World Bar were forced to close their doors. The move by the NSW Government was met with such disdain, it even inspired a new political party, ‘Keep Sydney Open’.

The bold new move comes as Premier Gladys Berejiklian told the Sydney Morning Herald "Kings Cross has transformed considerably since these laws were introduced. The precinct is now well positioned to continue to evolve into a vibrant lifestyle and cultural destination with a diverse mix of small bars, live music venues and restaurants."

Image: Hamish Weir