A new poll of New South Wales residents has found that over two thirds of locals are in support of the State Government’s lockout laws and 3am last drinks regulations.
The Galaxy poll, commissioned by the Foundation For Alcohol Research & Education (FARE), found that 68 per cent of NSW residents support keeping the lockouts in place, including the state’s cessation of takeaway alcohol sales at 10pm.
FARE’s poll, which surveyed only 353 respondents aged 18 and over, found that 80 per cent of respondents believe Australia has a problem with alcohol, up from 74 per cent in 2015. The poll results don’t mention where the 353 people live in NSW, nor the various age groups which were surveyed.
The poll also found strong support for increased penalties for violent offenders (86 per cent), increased police presence (85 per cent) and better public transport (82 per cent), while 61 per cent of people thought venues aren’t doing enough to address alcohol misuse.
FARE Chief Executive Michael Thorn says the Galaxy polling shows that most people in NSW believe the State Government’s lockout policies are effective.
“With 68 per cent of New South Wales residents in favour, there is overwhelming majority support for the government’s existing modest trading measures to remain in place,” Mr Thorn says.
“The people of New South Wales clearly understand that these policies have created a healthier and safer New South Wales.”
The results of FARE’s Galaxy poll, which was conducted in January, arrive on the same day as the Keep Sydney Open rally, which has seen thousands of people take to the streets to protest the city’s lockout laws.
Earlier this week, new data revealed a 40 per cent drop in live music revenue for Sydney’s CBD lockout zone since the city’s lockout laws were introduced in February 2014.
Sydney’s lockout laws are currently up for review, and the NSW Government has encouraged members of the public to have their say on the regulations as it formulates its final report, which is expected to be handed down in August.
To read all the details of FARE’s Galaxy poll, head to the FARE website.
