Tougher rules demanded for Sydney's Ivy nightclub

A campaign aimed at curbing alcohol-fuelled violence on Sydney's streets says restrictions placed on The Ivy nightclub do not go far enough.

The inner city club was closed early on Sunday morning and riot police were called in after a series of violent altercations.

A security guard was taken to hospital with facial injuries after being assaulted.

The Ivy is already subject to various restrictions, including a ban on shots, doubles and glasses after midnight, and a 2am lockout.

But Scott Weber, spokesman for the Last Drinks campaign, says the rules are not working.

Mr Weber is president of the Police Association of NSW, which sponsors Last Drinks along with other organisations including the Australian Medical Association.

"This is a large venue that draws in a large amount of people. There has to be certain restrictions put in place to make sure people are protected," he said.

"How many people need to get injured, not only outside on George Street but inside the premises, before the Government takes action with regards to alcohol-related violence.

"What we're calling upon with the Last Drinks is a 1am lockout, trading hours to close at 3am or 3:30am, and also restrictions with regards to shots and heavy liquor at 10pm.

"With these restrictions we saw up in Newcastle a 37 per cent reduction in assaults after dark."

Opposition Leader John Robertson has backed the calls to do more.

"Repeat offenders need to have the laws come down much harder on them than is currently the case," Mr Robertson said.

"We need to be making sure that where we do see repeat offenders tough action is taken."

Source: ABC News, 26 August 2013