Melbourne's nightlife may be in serious trouble thanks to the 2am lockout to be trialled this winter. The effectiveness of the lockout is being questioned as many believe it will cause more problems than it will solve. Herds of intoxicated people may be left on the street as everyone rushes out to get cabs to their final venue for the night by 2am.
Crown Casino is, as always, exempt from the ban which may just as well encourage young people to take up gambling instead of dancing at clubs with their friends as they can't get in anywhere else after 2am. Also escaping the ban are 24 hour bottle shops. This means those who can not get in anywhere after 2am might just resort to drinking in public areas, parks or house parties. With only 2 police officers on the streets per 25,000 revellers in contrast to 1 security guard per 100 people in licensed venues, it would seem that the nightclubs, pubs and bars are the safer places to be.
Melbourne's numerous lane-way bars and entertainment venues have seen the city only recently overtake Sydney as the most popular holiday destination in Australia. However, with the 2am lockout placing such restrictions on what you can and can't do in Melbourne, Sydney may soon be on top again.
Interestingly, to combat violence on their streets, London has extended their drinking hours. This has proved to be effective and drinking hours are continuing to be extended to help battle binge drinking and alcohol related violence.
If you're opposed to the curfew, then join the
2am Lockout Official Protest on Friday May 30 at 5pm at Melbourne's Treasury Gardens.
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