Save Sydney Nightlife! Keep Sydney Open Has Announced An Urgent Rally In Early October
Strap on your marching shoes folks - once more, Sydneysiders will take to the streets. Keep Sydney Open is announcing an urgent rally for Sunday 9th October to save Sydney's nightlife.
Justice Ian Callinan's review into the lockout laws was released yesterday, and has confirmed what we already knew - that the vibrancy and economy of Sydney has been damaged as a result of the lockouts.
It's time to say enough is enough! While Keep Sydney Open is pleased with the Justice's recommendation to relax lockouts and cease of service times, the suggested trial extension of the lockout by a mere thirty minutes is not just not enough to counteract the damage that's been done to Sydney's culture, night time economy, reputation, and businesses that are now on the brink.
"With each passing day the lockouts are in place, Sydney's cultural life is damaged, small businesses are jeopardised and our internationally recognised artistic talent is finding it harder to be paid for their work", said Keep Sydney Open's Tyson Koh. "A thirty minute extension misses the point, that Sydney wants policy that encourages safe and vibrant nightlife at any time. Major cities around the world can do it and we can too."
"In February, 15,000 Sydneysiders joined us on the streets to demand smart policy solutions, and they've made it clear to us that we must keep fighting for Sydney's nightlife," he said.
Keep Sydney Open recommends evidence based policy, including but limited to:
1. Developing best-practice policing strategies;
2. Investing in 24/7 public transport;
3. Implementing integrated urban planning reform;
4. Encouraging diversification of after-dark activities;
5. Establishing anti-violence education & intervention campaigns;
6. Incentivising well-run venues; and
7. Appointing a Night Mayor or similar.
Keep Sydney Open recommends the lifting of the 1:30am lockout, the lifting of 3:00am cease of service and takeaway liquor sales to midnight and the removal of the freeze of liquor license applications in inner-city entertainment districts, in conjunction with the above.
Says Mr. Koh: "We will work with the government and relevant stakeholders in any way we can to improve the living standard of all Sydneysiders."
Save the date & RSVP on the Facebook event. Make sure to like Keep Sydney Open on Facebook for all the latest updates and events.
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