Govt 'needs to address' new street violence issues: AHA

In a recent statement, the AHA (NSW) said the organisation wholeheartedly welcomed tougher sentencing for thugs and official recognition of the role drugs play in night-time violence.

However, it remains sceptical about the effectiveness of lockouts across the Sydney CBD area and 'last drinks' at 3am – the time of the taxi changeover.

"We do not believe tens of thousands of people will stay in licensed premises past 3am once alcohol is no longer served but will instead be out on the streets looking for a way home - the government will need to address this new issue," the AHA (NSW) said.

"The lockouts and closures in the Sydney CBD will also have an undeniable impact on the night-time economy – penalising businesses that are well run and have had nothing to do with the recent violence."