Clover pushes late-night Sydney

Museums, cafes and art galleries will be asked to trade late into the night under a plan by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP to turn Sydney into a late-night city.

Moore has asked council staff to develop a policy for the city’s late night economy covering everything from better transport options to safer pubs and clubs.

“We want a thriving and diverse night time economy,” the Lord Mayor said.

“People should have choices if they are heading out at night – from a street bar with live music, to an energetic club to an inspiring art exhibition or bookshop.

“Currently, most cultural venues and cafes operate normal business hours and are not often open till late. It needs to change – it’s time Sydney catches up to the rest of the world.

“Having more options creates a safer and more balanced late night economy attracting a wider range of people into the city centre.”

Moore said the policy would be developed in consultation with the community, NSW Government, NSW Police, Transport NSW and the liquor industry. She said it was hoped tie policy would help curb alcohol and drug-fuelled violence in Sydney.

“Sydney has almost 2000 licensed venues. Many of our pubs, clubs and bars do the right thing and promote sensible drinking but there are a few where drinks are continually served to drunk patrons or where rampant drug use is ignored resulting in violent, anti-social behaviour such as attacks on other patrons and fights spilling out onto the streets,” Moore said.

“No one wants that. We all want an exciting city night life but it needs to be safe and fun for everyone.”

The City will implement a number of measures to improve safety for people out late at night, including:

* A 12-week trial of late night ‘Precinct Ambassadors’ on George St;

* A trial of new directional signage to improve access to transport and public toilets; and

* Improvements to the Bayswater Rd secure taxi rank in Kings Cross.

“The city recently worked with industry groups to tighten our late night trading planning controls,” Moore said.

“Our aim was to make the city safer by rewarding venues that do the right thing and, in the worst instances, winding back privileges from the small number of 1venues continually doing the wrong thing.

“Our changes had the strong backing of the Police Association, the Australian Medical Association and the Nurses Association, whose members see the devastating effects of alcohol fuelled violence first hand every weekend.”

Moore claimed the State Government “bowed to industry pressure and a misleading and vicious campaign” and asked the council to delete the changes and re exhibit an option without the additional safeguards.

“That option will go on public exhibition at the end of February for around 28 days and we want to hear what the community thinks about it,” Moore said.