Kings Cross trade hit by 2am lockout

A row is brewing in the Sydney backpacker hub of Kings Cross, with hotel owners claiming new licensing restrictions are killing trade.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported yesterday that a group of  Sydney hotels was placed in receivership, with the owners blaming measures aimed at reducing drunken violence for decimating profits.

Tony Woodward, part-owner of the Vegas and Mansions Hotels in Kings Cross, the Oxford in Darlinghurst and the Peakhurst Inn, said revenues had fallen by “up to half” since the 2am lockout was introduced in December.

The restrictions prevent new customers entering after 2am although existing patrons can continue drinking until closing time. Woodward warned the hotels could go under unless the restrictions are lifted.

By Martin Lane  ·  June 25th, 2009 at 9:02 am

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Comments


  1. David Lamyman
    25 Jun 09
    1:06 pm

    2. Hi Martin

    Yes, a great deal of pressure is being brought to bear on certain establishments throughout the city & NSW. For the vast majority of the 48 venues where restrictions are in place, they have ignored police concerns for many years. In my mind they have not behaved responsibly, or reacted to the concerns that have been laid out before them by various bodies. This has affected all of us, and maybe for the better in the long run. But I wish that some of the offending premises had listened and reacted more responsibly.

    I’m not saying that we, at The World Bar, are absolutely perfect. On a busy Saturday night, it takes a huge amount of systematic practices to ensure that we are behaving responsibly. Yes, we will get the odd slip up. But we are constantly striving to evolve our processes where necessary. We work very closely with Licensing at the Police, and the newly formed OLGR. And this is the practise of 99% of all licensed premises. What I am concerned about is that the focus on 48 venues colours the general public’s judgement of every single hotel, bar or nightclub.

    Regarding a blanket 2am lockout, Sydney needs 24 hour licensing to ensure it’s attractive cosmopolitan status across the world. Yes, there is lots to do during the day, but any major city on the world stage needs to offer entertainment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    I hasten to add that I’m not aware of the specifics of the Vegas/Mansions case. All I know is that a huge amount of money was paid to purchase Mansions, and then a downturn hit at the same time as licensing restrictions.

    Lastly, I know that a few venues, by being selected within the original 50 sites, have been judged too harshly. Any venue that shows a willingness to work responsibly, and improve its record, should have its restrictions quickly lifted, even if it was on a parole like status for a period. After all, businesses have made investment decisions based on the conditions that were placed before them.

    Cheers
    David

  2. Square Eyes
    25 Jun 09
    2:33 pm

    3. It seems the pub/entertainment scene in Sydney won’t be assisted by the NSW govt placing a freeze on the issue of new licenses in what they call ‘late night hoptspots’.
    Talk about a govt under fire trying everything in its power to appear relevant.
    http://news.smh.com.au/breakin.....-cxpw.html

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