The changes in licensing laws and alcohol restrictions were announced today by the NSW Premier. There are a number of measures announced including forcing problem venues to lock patrons out at 2am and only serve drinks in plastic cups. There is a list of about 50 venues. The thing that shocked and upset me is that 5 out of the 13 problem venues listed in the CBD are gay or gay friendly venues! Stonewall, Arq, Home, Exhange and Oxford were all targeted. I can only see this further killing off the gay scene. What about listing Havana as a problem venue? Or Courthouse Hotel? Or the Gaff?

I am all for tough new restrictions and limits to licensing hours as I think Sydney's nightlife is in serious trouble. Something needs to be done. But I can't believe it is the gay venues that are copping it. Ask any residents in the area and they'll tell you the anti-social behaviour doesn't come from the gay clubs - it's venues like Havana and others that cause problems on the street

I don't think gay venues have been "targeted" at all. but unfortunately, all "our" venues do attract a mixed crowd, and some of them are a problem, or at least contribute to the problem. if a venue is on the list, then they're on there for a reason, ie they have had issues. it will force slack venues (gay, mixed, straight, whatever) to clean up their act. and that's a good thing.

I keep saying ...It comes down to BAD BEHAVIOR !

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevie Boy

Ask any residents in the area and they'll tell you the anti-social behaviour doesn't come from the gay clubs - it's venues like Havana and others that cause problems on the street

It's not just violence and anti-social behaviour which is factored into this, but alcohol related crime as a whole. This includes offenses like drink-driving. I know five people who have been caught recently for DUI, and all of them were drinking at Stonewall beforehand (hardly the venue's fault). The police ask you where you have been drinking that night and note it down. And with that, it's hard for to know which venues are causing more alcohol related crime without the proper statistics.