Locked out: NSW Premier reveals tough new liquor laws
NSW has introduced radical new laws to tackle alcohol-fuelled crime, including a mandatory minimum sentence of eight years in jail for fatal "one-punch" assaults where drug or alcohol use is a factor.
The Premier Barry O'Farrell announced a 1.30am lockout and 3am last drinks, similar to the Newcastle model, will be adopted for Sydney city precinct drinking venues - including Kings Cross to Darling Harbour, The Rocks to Haymarket and Darlinghurst.
"The new measures are tough and I make no apologies for that. We are sending a clear message about alcohol and drug-induced violence," the premier said.
"[We will do] whatever it takes to get the message through to people across NSW that it is no longer acceptable to go out and drink yourself stupid, take illicit substances, start fights, 'coward punch' people or engage in other assaults thinking you won't get away with it," he said.
Mr O'Farrell also said there would be mandatory minimum sentences of eight years for one-punch deaths, two years for assaults against police officers, and four years for affray.
A map of proposed 1.30am 'lock-out' and 3am 'last drinks' zones in central Sydney. Photo: Supplied the NSW Government
Bottle shops across the state will close at 10pm, there will be bans for trouble makers, and freezes on liquor licences.
Free buses will run every ten minutes from Kings Cross to the CBD on Friday and Saturday nights, according to the state government.
State Parliament will be recalled next week to rush through the sweeping alcohol and drug and alcohol measures, where steroid use will be also be targeted.
Mr O'Farrell said a multi-million dollar education campaign would also try to tackle alcohol misuse.
The move comes after the recent deaths of teenagers Daniel Christie and Thomas Kelly in Sydney.
The NSW government mooted one-punch laws last year after Kieran Loveridge, 19, was found guilty of fatally punching 18-year-old Thomas Kelly in Kings Cross in 2012 and sentenced to a maximum of six years jail.
Daniel Christie, 18, died due to injuries allegedly sustained in a one-punch assault on New Year's Eve.
Sydney builder Shaun McNeil has been charge with murder over the one-punch death of teenager Daniel Christie. Photo: Supplied
Mr O'Farrell met with cabinet on Monday to consider a number of proposals to try to stem the flow of booze and violence on the state's streets.
He was tight-lipped on Monday about details of the proposals under consideration, but predicted the public would be "delighted" by the new policies when they are announced on Tuesday.
"I'm confident the package being taken to cabinet this afternoon addresses community concerns and will make a difference," he said.
Risk-based licensing, recommended by former Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing commissioner Michael Foggo following a review of the Liquor Act last year and reportedly given in-principle cabinet approval 16 months ago, was widely tipped to be one policy up for consideration.
This would mean bigger venues or those with a history of non-compliance with the Liquor Act would pay more for the right to serve alcohol.
Meanwhile, Sydney underworld figure John Ibrahim said he was shocked by the announcement, tweeting that it "feels like 9/11".
Photo: Supplied via Twitter
