We know, we know, we could’ve sworn the lockout laws were absolutely devastating to Sydney’s nighttime economy and have put an ever-increasing number of venues, pubs, and clubs out of business, but according to a pro-lockouts group that’s all an exaggeration.
As ABC News reports, a new report by FARE, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, says the negative impacts of Sydney’s lockout laws on local businesses have been “vastly overstated” and the actual figures are far more conservative.
FARE reportedly analysed numbers from the Bureau of Crime Statistics, as well as “hospital presentations, foot traffic, business turnover and property values” and determined that the lockouts-driven decline in foot traffic is closer to 19 percent and not 80 percent.
Apparently, whilst the hospitality industry will have you believe that lockout laws have all but snuffed out Sydney’s once bustling nightlife scene in Kings Cross and the CBD, Sydney is actually “well and truly open for business”.
“The positive effects can’t be denied — massive reductions in assault, 75 per cent reduction in the harms being caused by late-night drinking,” FARE chief executive Michael Thorn told the ABC, also citing a 35 percent increase in property values.
“Property values have risen by 35 per cent. There’s been a change in the business mix and barely any difference in the numbers of businesses operating in the area.” According to FARE’s analysis, only four businesses had closed as a result of the lockouts.
Mr Thorn claimed FARE’s analysis will “stand any test … contrary to the repeated attempts by the alcohol industry to portray the changes as devastating to Sydney”. It’s true that FARE seem to be keeping a different set of books to the industry.
According to data collected by APRA-AMCOS, the Australian royalties collection body, ticket sales by live performance venues in the Sydney CBD have declined by 40 percent following the introduction of the lockout laws.
This, coupled with a reported 80 percent drop in foot traffic in lockout-affected areas, has resulted in the closure of some 42 venues, bars, cafes, nightclubs, and restaurants. Meanwhile, gig attendance overall is down 19 percent.
Back in May, Kings Cross haunt World Bar submitted a detailed overview of just how the lockouts have affected business to judge Ian Callinan’s review into the controversial lockout laws.
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This wasn’t just anecdotal conjecture from a frustrated venue owner. World Bar management’s submission estimated that overall revenue is down 25 percent in just two years thanks to decreased turnout and endless exorbitant costs the venue has taken on.
According to the World Bar’s own balance sheet, management are forking out an extra $224,900 per year because of the lockouts. That sum is going to the implementation of ID scanners, RSA officers, upgrades to their CCTV equipment, and a spike in insurance costs due to their classification as a “high risk” venue.
The venue is also required to submit data about their alcohol sales, costing them $3,000 annually. “This has been done for two years now with no explanation as to why. Surely whoever has the data has enough now. It is a timely and costly exercise for venues to do,” management write.
We wonder if World Bar or indeed any other live music venue in Sydney which has been affected by the lockouts were consulted for FARE’s analysis?
