Adelaide’s controversial lockout laws here to stay

South Australia’s Liquor and Gambling regulator, Consumer and Business Services, has decided the 3 am lockout will remain in place after consulting liquor licence holders, industry bodies and the broader community.

Following a review of South Australia’s Late Night Trading Code of Practice, Dini Soulio, the Commissioner for Liquor and Gambling, said data provided by authorities indicates the Code had successfully reduced alcohol-related incidents and anti-social behaviour in the CBD.

“Alcohol-related presentations to the Royal Adelaide Hospital have more than halved since 2015, while offences in the CBD committed between midnight and 7 am on a Saturday and Sunday remain significantly lower now than in 2015.

“And while some of this can be attributed to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it still indicates that the Code is helping keep people safe in the CBD.

“I appreciate industry members have concerns about the lockout, and I will keep working with them to see what can be done to alleviate some of their concerns, but the fact is the lockout is backed by key agencies responsible for health and public safety, as well as community groups,” he said.

Soulio is also proposing to ban shots after 2 am and will also seek to re-establish the Adelaide Liquor Accord, a body bringing together liquor licence holders, SA Police, Health, the Adelaide City Council and other relevant organisations to discuss issues relating to the Late Night Trading Code of Conduct.

The Liquor and Gambling Commissioner will clarify that drink marshals can intervene when patrons behave unacceptably.

“There was strong support from the broader community for the retention of drink marshals, and this will ensure they have clear guidance on their role in managing anti-social behaviour and protecting both patrons and staff.

“Importantly, we will also consider the expansion of Responsible Service of Alcohol training to include Bystander Intervention Training,” said Soulio.

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