By Ian Neubauer
Three nightclubs in Melbourne’s CBD are taking part in a voluntary trial of a 2:00am lockout that went into effect on January 1.
The clubs participating in the trial include popular reggae bar the Basemint, the Balcony and the upmarket Queen Street venue, CQ Bar, all of which have 5:00am trading licenses.
Melbourne West acting senior sergeant Steven Cooper said police have provided additional support to crowd controllers at the three participating clubs.
“Although patrons were initially not all aware of the lockouts, security has made it well known to patrons that they will not be let in to the participating venues after 2:00am,” he said. “Police have not encountered any problems with patrons as a result of the lock out.”