The New South Wales Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing has reported a massive response to requests for input on Sydney’s controversial lockout laws and State bottleshop closure.
The Callinan Review, fronted by the Hon. Ian Callinan AC QC, is mandated to assess for the State Government all benefits and downsides of the 1:30am lockout, 3am closure and 10pm bottleshop closure laws.
The Review officially opened for feedback on the topics on 5 March, and yesterday reported having received 1,856 submissions by period close at midnight Monday (4 April).
OLGR (Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing) states all will be considered, including the more than 570 emails and other forms of correspondence received prior to the official submission period.
“Public input is a key part of the review process.
“Copies of submissions will be posted on the independent review’s website at www.liquorlawreview.justice.nsw.gov.au from 18 April.”
The liquor administrator reports of the submissions that the “vast majority [relate] to the 1.30am lockout and 3am cease alcohol service restriction”.
It follows widespread condemnation by increasing numbers of community sectors, with a survey by The Socialites showing nearly 70 per cent of Sydneysiders was no lockout restrictions.
Led by the illustrious Callinan, the scheduled Review will consult with government, industry and community stakeholders, considering broad statistical data relating to alcohol-related violence and anti-social behaviour.
Callinan is expected to provide his report to the NSW Government in August, 2016.