Sydney Lockout Laws To Be Lifted For New Year's Eve

The controversial Sydney lockout laws that came into effect earlier this year will be lifted temporarily this New Year's Eve.

According to News Corp, the 1:30am lockout time will be raised to 3am, with the NSW government particularly concerned over harbour cruises rushing to get patrons off boats so they can head to bars and venues prior to the 1:30am curfew.

The article also reported the government believed this initiative would improve safety throughout the Sydney, as well as ensure businesses don't lose much in the way of new customers during the night-long celebrations.

Deputy Premier and liquor and hospitality minister Troy Grant said:

"This is a commonsense approach for what is the biggest night on the Sydney calendar.

"Sydney is the greatest city in the world to spend New Year’s Eve and I want people to have fun, be safe and look after their mates."

The 3am cessation of drink service will remain the same though.