Pubs and clubs are a step closer to opening as government draws up laws to help them make money after lockdown with new demerit points system
- Venues that accrue four demerit points in a year would have to close for a week
- That period could be extended to two weeks if six or more points are accrued
- Pubs and clubs with no demerit points will be rewarded with licencing discounts
- The system aims to provide an incentive to follow the rules and reduce violence
Pubs and clubs could be forced to shut down for 14 days for breaching liquor laws under a new demerit point system.
The proposed laws for licensed venues in New South Wales are part of Premier Gladys Berejiklian's attempt to reform the night-time economy after Sydney's controversial lockout laws were scrapped in January.
Under the new regime, venues that breach liquor laws will be forced to close for seven days if they accumulate four demerit points over a three-year period.
If a venue accrues six or more points over a six-year period, the closure could extend to two weeks and the NSW liquor watchdog could permanently stop the license-holder from applying for a new alcohol permit.
People wearing masks walk past the once-popular Star Bar in Sydney after it was forced to close due tot he coronavirus pandemic
Under the new regime, venues that breach liquor laws will be forced to close for seven days if they accumulate four demerit points over a three-year period. Pictured: Club 77 in Sydney
But state MPs say they want the reforms to help kick-start the night-time economy once venues are allowed to reopen following the COVID-19 lockdowns.
'COVID-19 has hit the hospitality industry hard and fast,' Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said in a statement.
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'We recognise the importance of streamlining the previously complicated legislation to make it easier for industry to get back on their feet as social distancing restrictions ease.'
Breaches of the Liquor Act, including selling alcohol to a drunk person, will be punished with one demerit point.
State MPs say they want the reforms to help kick-start the night-time economy once venues are allowed to reopen following the COVID-19 lockdowns. Pictured: Empty tables at the Opera Bar in Sydney
Selling alcohol to someone under the age of 18 will is punishable by two points.
Venues that do not accrue any demerit points for five years will be rewarded with five per cent liquor licence discount.
Operators who have a clean record for five or more years will get a 10 per cent discount.
Demerit points will last for three years, with the option of having points removed early if a venue can prove it rectified the issue.
The government said the system aims to give venues a clear incentive to follow the rules and reduce alcohol-related violence.
It also plans to support music and entertainment by removing outdated restrictions on live music.
There are currently laws dictating the music genre and types of instruments that can be played in venues, along with the number of musicians allowed to perform.
Children will also now be allowed to accompany their parents or guardians in small bars until midnight.
The laws were introduced in 2014 to curb alcohol-fuelled violence and forced city venues to close their doors at 1.30am and stop serving alcohol at 3am.
Partygoers in NSW are now allowed to enter venues and buy drinks until 3.30am.
The reforms will be put to parliament after June this year.
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