Criticisms Of Law Reforms In The Nightlife Economy

3. The Criticisms
This white paper is addressing some of the criticisms of the law reforms such as; decreases in the nightlife economy lack of freedom for citizens and the addition of one punch laws, specifically mandatory minimum sentencing.
3.1 Decreases in the Nightlife Economy
The nightlife economy of Sydney, especially Kings Cross is claimed to be affected negatively by the lockout laws and liquor restrictions. The City of Sydney (2016) cites anecdotal evidence from Sydney-siders that foot traffic has been greatly reduced as a result of these lockout laws. The Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore claims that “lockout laws were a sledgehammer blow to Sydney’s nightlife” as they negatively affect the nightlife economy. The live music economy

9). The Newcastle addition of ‘last drink’ laws perfectly demonstrate the effectiveness of lower trading hours (Australian Institute of Criminology 2014). An independent review of the Newcastle laws found a “significant decrease of 37% in assaults after 3am” (Australian Drug Federation 2016 p.6) Research shows that trading hours and alcohol consumption are linked, and when lower trading hours are implemented the level of violence decreases (Australian Drug Federation 2016 p.9; City of Sydney 2016

The main parties that will be affected by the proposed changes to Section 25A are the community, the victims, the offenders and the judicial system. The victims’ families and the community were instrumental in the demand for ‘one-punch’ laws, thus they would likely oppose the removal of Section 25A. Regardless, there must be a balance between punishment and rehabilitation to achieve just outcomes for all parties, which Section 25A currently does not do. The offenders and the judicial system will support the removal of Section 25A because it will decrease harsher sentences and reduce the cases proceeding to court and the strain on the judicial system. The use of alternatives instead of incarceration will lessen repeat offenders and address the entrenched issue of youth alcoholism, which will benefit the community.
The parties that must be considered when relaxing the lockout laws and takeaway restrictions are the community and the victims. The community, specifically business owners will support the relaxation of lockout laws as it will improve the nightlife economy. It addresses the criticisms of lack of freedom, as it will grant the community more responsibility for their own actions. The relaxation of the lockout laws will not affect alcohol-related violence and will maintain freedom for citizens, which is the ultimate goal of the