Keep Sydney Open Says New Assault Stats Proves 'Lockout Laws Don't Address Violence'

Keep Sydney Open has responded to new statistics showing that assaults are on the rise in areas outside lockout zones, saying that the study proves the legislation is actually not deterring violence at all.

As The Daily Telegraph reports, a NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research study has found an increase of between 11.8-16.7% of assaults in areas like Newtown, Bondi and Double Bay since the laws were introduced in 2014. 

Keep Sydney Open Campaign Manager, Tyson Koh, said the findings are no surprise in a statement given exclusively to The Music.

"This new report confirms all the anecdotal evidence over the last three years," Koh said.

"The lockouts don't address violence, they punish businesses and our music scene while shifting problems elsewhere.

"We need to replace the lockouts with more effective solutions. The time for an honest rethink is long overdue."

Despite the reports, NSW Minister for Racing, Paul Toole, told The Daily Telegraph that there are no plans to expand the lockouts to other areas of the city. 

"We will continue to monitor the impact of these laws," Toole said.

"The community was rightly sickened by the senseless injury and death. There was an intense demand for the Government to do something to put a stop to these tragedies.

"I am fully supportive of a vibrant and safe nightlife. As Australia’s international city, Sydney deserves nothing less. At all times, the Government will be guided by the evidence as we fine-tune liquor regulations."

The news comes just weeks after a number of popular Sydney hotspots were granted longer opening hours, including World Bar and Stonewall.