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NSW Government To Scrap Sydney CBD Lockout Laws By Year's End

"It’s time to enhance Sydney’s nightlife."

The NSW Government has announced plans to axe Sydney's CBD lockout laws by year's end. 

According to ABC, Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed on Sunday that the 1.30am lockouts will be relaxed throughout the CBD in an effort to boost the city's nightlife. 

"It’s time to enhance Sydney’s nightlife," Berejiklian said.

“Sydney is Australia’s only global city and we need our nightlife to reflect that." 

Though the lockout laws will be wound back in the CBD, it is reported that the controversial legislation will remain in Kings Cross.

Former Premier Barry O'Farrell introduced the lockout laws in 2014 in an effort to reduce alcohol-related violence following the deaths of Thomas Kelly and Daniel Christie who were both king hit in Kings Cross.

The news follows a recent parliamentary inquiry into Sydney's night time economy, with musicians and politicians also weighing in on "Sydney’s music venue crisis". 

The findings from the inquiry are expected to be delivered to Parliament this month.

Recent data obtained by the City of Sydney found that almost 500,000 fewer people under the age of 35 have visited Sydney each year since 2014, the same year lockouts took affect.  

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