Over ten thousand disenfranchised residents of Sydney, Australia hit the streets Sunday, protesting the New South Wales state government’s restrictions on nightlife. And they brought the placard puns en masse.
The huge protest came just two days after anti-lock out law campaigners #KeepSydneyOpen released a report stating that since the introduction of the 1:30 a.m. curfew on entering bars, pubs and clubs in the city, alcohol-fuelled assaults are increasing rather than decreasing, as law-makers would hope.
Under legislation, a bars and clubs in the lock out boundary are also being made to close at 3 a.m. and liquor stores must close by 10 p.m. Critics of the lock out laws claim tens of venues have been forced to close and hundreds of jobs have been lost.
Among those protesting down Sydney’s iconic nightlife strip Oxford Street, was Cold Chisel musician Jimmy Barnes, Paul Mac and a host all of Sydney’s DJs, MCs, indie bands and promoters.
And that’s not to mention party-goers and Sydneysiders concerned that the laws have lead to a critical cultural loss for the tourist-friendly city that’s home to the world’s biggest pride party, Sydney Mardi Gras.
“The lockout laws aren’t working. Weve got to help keep music alive and keep Sydney alive. Let’s find a better way to do it,” Barnes said in a Facebook video.
The report released by protest organisers was a response to an independent review of state liquor laws, which the government (under Premier Mike Baird) must respond to by the end of 2016. The report suggests violence from Kings Cross and the CBD has been displaced to alternative entertainment precincts further away from restricted areas.
It claims assaults fuelled by alcohol are 30 percent higher across the outer suburbs of Newtown, Bondi, Double Bay and Coogee.
Assaults are also 6 percent higher in the CBD and 9 percent higher across Sydney overall. Their conclusion? Not only are the lock out laws useless, but they’re hurting Sydney and its residents.
Protesters take to #Sydney streets against lock out laws. #KeepSydneyOpen @janie_barrett @smh @photosSMH https://t.co/n40vOu5mxT pic.twitter.com/d5AsALLSfq
SMH Photography (@photosSMH) October 9, 2016
A silver lining in the darkness could be that the creativity and passion of Sydney people of all ages and backgrounds was showcased Sunday, with the city’s residents decorating banners and marching with pride and purpose.
The view of the #KeepSydneyOpen protest from the office. Insane amount of people down there. pic.twitter.com/4r1Z24UhCU
Joe Sassine (@_joesassine) October 9, 2016
“It’s been an absolutely fantastic day and not only are we protesting the lockout laws and fighting for a better Sydney that stays open late and is more diverse and inclusive but were also showing Sydneys best version of itself,” Tyson Koh, founder of Keep Sydney Open campaign and co-author of the report, told the Guardian.
Needless to say, premier of the state Mike Baird was the butt of most jokes.
