Lockout laws boost Newtown economy
The Baird government’s lockout laws have created a big win for Newtown.
According to the review of the state’s lockout laws released last week, former High Court Judge Ian Callinan found reduced patronage at Kings Cross and the CBD had “substantially” benefitted Newtown.
Precise figures were not disclosed in the review but locals are in no doubt that’s the case.
Newtown bar Leadbelly’s Licensee Ben McFarlane said patronage at his venue has jumped 30 per cent over the past 12 months.
“Thursday and Friday is the most noticeable and it’s after that 11pm mark that you can really notice the increase,” McFarlane told the Daily Telegraph.
“It’s definitely been a positive and Newtown is not suffering, if anything, it’s gained a bit with what venues are offering.”
According to the city of Sydney, pedestrian traffic in Newtown is up by a massive 42 per cent between 2012 and 2015.
Compare that to the pedestrian activity in King’s Cross, which has been hit hard by the lockout laws. According to data measured by the City of Sydney, that’s down by 40 per cent.
At the same time, more people are arriving at Newtown station. Over this period, the number of people turning up at the station increased from 69,142 in the first quarter 2014 to 117,132 in the first quarter 2016.
Even when the increase in Opal usage is taken into account, it still comes out to a massive 26 per cent rise at Newtown station.
Opal card data shows a 129 per cent increase in night time traffic at Newtown station between 2014 and 2016.
All of that is in contrast with other stations.
For example, it has stayed flat at Edgecliff station, despite it being near Double Bay which has attracted people seeking an alternative to the early-closing central business district.
Needless to say, it’s not only a boost for Newtown bars. It’s also good news for food outlets and other venues that stay open late.
by Leon Gettler, September 20th 2016
