Image: SBS
Between 8000 – 15,000 people are believed to have marched to protest Sydney’s controversial lock out laws on Sunday as part of a rally organised by Keep Sydney Open.
Videos by VICE
Calling for the removal of the city’s 1:30am lockout, the march made its way through the Sydney CBD, ending in Hyde Park for speeches and performances by Royal Headache and Art vs. Science who threw in the Beastie Boys’ classic “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!)”
The rally called for the removal of the city’s 1:30am lockout, which was introduced by the NSW Government in 2014 in response to antisocial behaviour in the CBD. The laws mean that venues cannot take new customers after 1:30am or serve alcohol after 3am.
The rally demanded the cease of service exemptions for licensed premises, which are predominantly, live music venues. Other calls were the improvement of Sydney’s late-night public transport and and the NSW Government to consult with venues before making further decisions.
Posters and signs showed the growing frustration with the NSW government’s laws, which have been accused, of destroying Sydney’s nightlife and threatening businesses and jobs in the music and hospitality industries. Some were just pissed that they can no longer buy a bottle of Shiraz after 10pm.
‘We hit the dance floor, not each other,’ read one placard, while another read, ‘Drop the Mike!’ in response to Premier Mike Baird who some have accused of playing political football with Sydney nightlife.
An independent review of the lockout laws will report to NSW parliament by August.
