As the lockouts are removed and lockdowns scaled back, we need to ensure the liquor licensing regime can help the night time economy flourish, while protecting safety and amenity. In Parliament I spoke in favour of government legislation that will facilitate more live music and small bars, while ensuring new hotspots for violence and anti-social behaviour do not re-emerge once the remaining liquor freezes are lifted. The most important reform is the introduction of a Cumulative Impact Assessment Tool that will enable Liquor and Gaming to refuse or impose new conditions on licences if outlet density could get out of hand in an area. I have been calling for this change since I was elected, as has Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

After sitting with only the Greens to oppose the lockouts in 2014, it was heartening to hear colleagues from across the political spectrum discuss the importance of a thriving late night economy. During debate I called for work to repeal the lockouts in Kings Cross and harmonise the planning and licence application processes.

My question to the minister: HERE and my contribution to the debate: HERE.