A lock-out exemption for some pubs and clubs should be considered for Sydney's crowd-drawing Mardi Gras parade, the city's lord mayor says.
The 36th annual gay and lesbian festival began on Friday and will be running when the new early lock-out and last drinks laws come into play on February 24.
The trading restrictions will affect the Sydney CBD entertainment precinct, including Oxford St, a popular haunt during the Mardi Gras.
"I am hoping the government will consider an exemption for those clubs and venues in the Mardi Gras strip," Clover Moore told reporters at a rainbow flag-raising event in Sydney'S CBD.
"It's something the city can ask government to do, and government, when it introduces its new system, would be able to say the Mardi Gras night will be considered an exemption.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"I know the thousands of people that will be gathering ... would like to think that it could be treated as a very special night by government."
The Mardi Gras parade will be held on March 1 with the route finishing outside the entertainment precinct. Revellers are expected to drift back inside the lock-out zone during the evening.
Asked if she would like to see an exemption for popular venues during the festival, Sydney Mardi Gras co-chair Siri Kommedahl said there should be some consideration.
"People will be celebrating, and there will be a time after the parade when people will want to continue on and celebrate with their friends," she said.
The Mardi Gras festival runs from February 7 to March 2.
