A few weeks ago, City of Sydney Liberal councillor Christine Forster wrote to the premier with a BID to relax Sydney’s controversial lockout laws for this year’s Mardi Gras festival.

Starting in 2014, the lockout laws were introduced by the Government of New South Wales with the objective to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence. The legislation requires 1.30am lockouts and 3am last drinks at bars, pubs and clubs in the Sydney CBD entertainment precinct.

On Friday, Christine Forsters Bid for the lockout laws to be relaxed during the Mardi Gras Parade weekend were approved.

From Sydney, Dean Arcuri spoke to Christine Forster, as well as members of the community, about whether the lock out laws helped or hindered the culture and community, and if this could be the start of a change to Sydney’s nightlife.

The City of Sydney has put together a nightlife and creative sector panel to address the challenges and opportunities facing Sydney’s night-time economy.

This aired on The Informer on JOY 94.9 on 27th February 2018.