Police Warn Mardi Gras Punters That Lock-Outs Will Be Enforced

Police have warned Sydneysiders heading to the Mardi Gras celebrations this week that 1.30am lock-outs are in affect and will be enforced.

The controversial new laws – which include a 1.30am lockout and 3am cessation of service in the inner-city precinct, and no take-away alcohol service after 10pm across the state – began yesterday, just in time for one of the city's biggest parties this weekend.

Today Police reminded punters that they can be thrown out of the precinct – from Kings Cross to Cockle Bay and The Rocks, Haymarket and Darlinghurst – for not complying with the laws.

“If you're causing trouble and police have to intervene, you will be taken out of play and possibly face a temporary ban from venues in the precinct,” Assistant Commissioner Alan Clarke said today.

“A lockout means you must be inside a venue by 1.30am – you can still have a good night, you just need to plan where you're going, how you're getting there and how you're getting home.”

It has emerged that prior to the 3am service halt individuals will be able to buy four drinks per person before service resumes at 5am.

“No alcohol will be served after [3am] but [Responsible Service of Alcohol] rules will still apply, so drink responsibly,” the Assistant Commissioner said.

Police said they are expecting “hundreds of thousands” of people to line Oxford and Flinders St for the Parade this Saturday 1 March, which is the highlight of the Mardi Gras celebrations. The entire area is an alcohol free zone and police will be conducting a high-visibility operation to enforce that.

“An offence is committed by anyone who refuses to hand over their alcohol or cooperate with police, attracting a fine in excess of $2000,” said Clark.