By Andrew Starke
The City of Sydney aims to encourage a vibrant night time economy and has no intention to shut down Sydney at midnight despite media reports suggesting publicans face another round of restrictions.
This is the view of Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who said minor amendments to the City's Late Night Trading Premises Development Control Plan (DCP), which go before council this week, will consider only minor and technical changes
“Inaccurate and misleading reports about the amendments are part of campaign against them from vested interests,” she said.
“Well-run night-time venues are a welcome part of Sydney's diversity and cultural life.
“Venues will continue to operate late at night in parts of the City, including Central Sydney, which has the greatest concentration of 24-hour premises in NSW.”
Moore has repeatedly contended that the proposed changes do not include any additional time restrictions but will bring the DCP in line with existing state government legislation – such as for ‘Reviewable Conditions'.
“The existing DCP already helps us better manage the small number of rogue licensed premises which potentially threaten Sydney's nightlife,” she said.
“These include premises where violent, anti-social behaviour results in attacks on customers, fights spilling out onto the streets, and police and paramedics continually being called to respond.
“Under the DCP, many venues have the option to operate until 3am, 5am or 24 hours where appropriate – and good operators need not fear their hours will be restricted.
“However, extended trading hours are approved based on an ongoing commitment to good management and safety, and are not an absolute right,” she said.
“The DCP rewards well managed establishments and in the worst instances, enables extended trading privileges to be withdrawn from venues which do not deserve to have them.
“Any venue which is well managed and safe retains the privilege of operating extended trading hours.”