Sydney Just Took Another Step In Getting Its Nightlife Back With Further Relaxtions To Lockouts

Sydney has just taken a small but important step in getting its nightlife back with news that its lockout laws will be further relaxed starting this weekend. 

As The Daily Telegraph reports, the state government has confirmed that starting from midnight this Sunday, venues classified as small bars in the CBD and Kings Cross will be able to serve spirits without mixers after midnight.

"It's a small step but a good one," Keep Sydney Open said in a statement posted to Facebook.

"It was a rule that highlighted how patronising Sydney's laws are, particularly to overseas visitors.

"It seems our efforts are paying off!"

Meanwhile, Small Bars Association chairman Martin O'Sullivan said the changes will positively impact Sydney's nightlife.

"It never made sense in a global city like this to explain to a customer they could only have a nip of whiskey past midnight if I mixed it with coke," O'Sullivan said.

"These bars specialise in premium spirits, so these changes will help our industry grow and contribute to a vibrant but safe night-time economy."

However, it has also been confirmed that a freeze on extended liquor licences for venues throughout the CBD and Kings Cross will be in place until mid-2018, as well as a "three strikes" ruling, which could see pubs and clubs be stripped of their licenses if they breach the liquor laws.