The SMH argues in its recent editorial that the review of lockout laws should seek compromise without losing sight of the primary aim, to keep more people safe.
Alcohol lockout laws in central Sydney have split the city.
It is time to step back and recall why the laws were introduced: to make everyone safer when they go out at night. To a large extent that goal has been achieved.
Assaults have fallen 45 per cent in Kings Cross and 20 per cent in the central business district since the laws were introduced in February 2014.
The costs have been shared around, but the grassroots music industry in particular is suffering.
Sydney has creative hubs around Newtown and the inner west - and much of the angst about the lockouts is emerging from hip-hop bands and other musicians who live and work there.
Now we also have a strange situation where many people seeking alcohol after 1.30am in the city simply shift to a gambling venue, The Star Casino.
As the Herald has said, the review should consider including the Star and the Crown Casino at Barangaroo in the lockout regime.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Sydney City Council have made a constructive contribution to the review. She argues for exemptions for live music as well as well-managed sites with good history of meeting their social and legal obligations. She also proposes rules that prevent a saturation of pubs or clubs in one area, along with an end to lifetime liquor licences and easier ways to remove them from holders who allow alcohol-fuelled violence.
The submissions to the review will be available for examination on the internet after April 18. Both sides of the debate should take time to read them with an open mind. Sure, keep an eye out for vested interests, but more importantly see where compromise is possible - without losing sight of the primary aim, to keep more people safe.
