Ministers Grant and Ayres Media Release: Sydney CBD Plan of Management Released

The NSW Government is making Sydney’s streets and licenced venues safer with new measures that aim to reduce alcohol-related violence in and around the Sydney CBD.

Minister for Hospitality, Gaming and Racing Troy Grant and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres have today released the Sydney Plan of Management for the Sydney CBD Entertainment Precinct that will come into effect on 18 July this year.

Minister Grant said the package includes measures to more effectively manage licensed venues and patrons, ensure a safer CBD environment, and promote transport options.

“The NSW Government is committed to making the Sydney CBD the first choice for locals and visitors wanting to enjoy our city safely,” Mr Grant said

“The Plan of Management was designed by NSW Government agencies in collaboration with the City of Sydney and aims to reduce alcohol harm in and around the precinct’s 1,300 licensed venues.

“Key components include:
· Drink restrictions after midnight,
· Updated RSA training for bar staff,
· Requirements for licensees to maintain around-the-clock incident registers and preserve violent crime scenes,
· A ban on Outlaw motorcycle gang colours,
· RSA marshals patrolling the area;
· A ban on glass after midnight in venues with a history of violence, and
· Rollout of pre-paid taxis and taxi marshals at 7 CBD taxi ranks.

Today’s measures add to the initiatives already in place including 1.30am lockouts and 3am cease alcohol service, banning orders on troublemakers, RSA competency card suspensions for irresponsible bar staff, the liquor licence freeze extension to 2016, and the Three Strikes and Violent Venues schemes.

“The NSW Government makes no apologies for introducing tough measures to reduce alcohol-related violence and make our city safer for everybody,” Mr Grant said.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres said the measures announced today will help Police in their efforts to crack down on anti-social behaviour in the precinct.

“The message is simple, if you intend on being anti-social and are looking to cause trouble, you are not welcome in our CBD,” Mr Ayres said.

“High visibility policing will continue across the CBD along with crackdowns on alcohol consumption on public transport to reduce pre-loading,” Mr Ayres said.

“Sydney’s vibrant CBD remains a major drawcard for locals and visitors alike. These measures are aimed at ensuring everyone can enjoy themselves safely,” Mr Ayres said.