By Andrew Starke
The Sydney City Council's restriction on footway licences in areas affected by the State Government's liquor freeze should continue until June 2011, according to recommendations made by the Council's Cultural and Community Services committee.
Council adopted the restriction in September 2009 to support the State Government legislation imposing a temporary freeze on the growth of licensed premises in parts of Kings Cross; Oxford Street, Darlinghurst; and south George Street in the CBD.
Government took the view that these areas had been seriously affected by the cumulative impacts of late night pubs, clubs and nightclubs.
The Liquor Amendment (Temporary Licence Freeze) Act prevents new liquor licence applications and related development applications from being approved before 24 June, 2010.
“The freeze was introduced with the aim of halting the growth in patron numbers in these precincts and to prevent a further deterioration of safety and amenity, while longer-term solutions are developed and implemented,” said Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore.
On March 19, 2010, the NSW Premier announced the liquor licence freeze would continue until June 24, 2011.
The extension of the footway license freeze prevents licensed premises which are subject to the liquor freeze from being granted new or expanded footway usage while the freeze continues.
Other measures announced include three new secure taxi ranks and three new late night bus services to help people get home, reduce the risk of alcohol related violence, and avoid problems caused by crowding in late night precincts, especially near residential areas.
“The City has supported these measures with new late night transport information on the City's web page and new ‘secure taxi rank’ signage for all nine ranks,” said Moore.
“We will also consider new part time and taxi drop off zones in late night precincts. These measures respond to my longstanding advocacy for action to reduce the impacts from late night trading and alcohol related violence.”
To comment, click here.