Liberal Democrats Senator for New South Wales, David Leyonhjelm has voiced his opinion in the ongoing demise of Sydney's King Cross nightlife, slamming the current policies as "disgusting".
Just a week after Newtown MP Jenny Leong expressed her own concerns of the city's lockout laws, Leyonhjelm has followed suit by writing his own opinion piece for The Daily Telegraph.
"We should all be disgusted about what is happening in Kings Cross these days," Leyonhjelm wrote.
"I'm not talking about drunken louts. Being shocked by people behaving badly in Kings Cross is like being shocked at Range Rovers in Mosman or sheep near Boorowa."
He referenced the closures of popular venues such as Hugos Lounge and The Exchange Hotel that have drastically altered the district which has been a party destination for over a century.
Leyonhjelm targeted the drunken violence offenders partly responsible for the laws being brought in last February and said there was a better chance of tracking them down if they stay in the one area.
"Kings Cross has also attracted plenty of rogues, but this has meant our police know where to find them. By putting the naughtiness in one spot, we are better able to manage it."
"The lockout laws, which require pubs to refuse to admit new customers from 1.30am and come with a raft of other rules, are public policy gone mad."
Leyonhjelm went on to write that it isn't just bars and clubs that suffers - it includes "restaurants, shops and newsagents" that also suffer.
The politician event took a jab at those in his own occupation: "...some of the politicians who want to tell you how to live can barely manage their own lives."
"Many had their rites of passage at the Cross but now want to deny others the same opportunity. Others just seem worried that somebody might be having a good time."
Leyonhjelm concludes by warning that if the lockout laws are to continue the damage it has already done to Kings Cross, not only Sydney, but Australia will suffer the consequences.
"...if the lockout laws effectively close down the Cross, there will be nowhere in Sydney, and perhaps not in Australia, where it’s OK to be naughty. Part of the fabric of our city will be lost, and the fun police will have finally won the day."
Read Leyonhjelm's full statement here.
