Oz state introduces ‘tough’ drinking law

Bars and clubs in New South Wales have hit out at a “tough” new alcohol law introduced to curtail violent behaviour in the state.

Bar-owners in Sydney have said a new “tough” drinking law imposed on the city will unfairly penalise their businesses

Liquor shops in the Australian state will now be required to close at 10pm, while nightclubs in popular nightlife area Kings Cross, in Sydney, will be banned from admitting punters after 1.30am or serve drinks after 3am.

The measure comes after numerous reports of alcohol-induced violent behaviour in Sydney, particularly “coward punches” which have dominated local headlines in recent months.

New South Wales premier, Barry O’Farrell, said that he was seeking to tackle excessive drinking in the state without penalising responsible drinkers.

However, lord mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, said that she was concerned that violence would shift to the suburbs of Sydney and that 24-hour public transport should be provided.

Bars and clubs in the area have also expressed concern of the law, claiming that their profits will suffer and violence would pour into the streets once clubs refuse to serve drinks at 3am.

A spokesperson for Australian Hotels Association told The Telegraph: “We do not believe tens of thousands of people will stay in licensed premises past 3am once alcohol is no longer served, but will instead be out on the streets looking for a way home,” said the state branch of the Australian Hotels Association.

“Lockouts and closures in the Sydney city centre will also have an undeniable impact on the night-time economy, penalising businesses that are well run and have had nothing to do with the recent violence.”

Australian news organisations have also recently reported that the New South Wales government is being forced to urge drinks companies to disclose its sales results as it prepares to implement the controversial legislation.

The Spirits Business reported in October that the Australian Health Minister had hit out at claims that raising taxes on alcohol would cut consumption.