Summary
Abstract
Following the success of restrictions on liquor licensing in curbing violence in Newcastle, successive New South Wales governments have relied heavily on liquor licensing controls to reduce alcohol-related violence. Research to date suggests that the collective impact of these controls has been substantial. At this stage, however, little is known about the mechanism or mechanisms through which changing liquor licensing controls have reduced violence. The article examines the little research conducted regarding the impact of liquor licensing reforms (popularly known as the ‘lockout laws’) on the night-time economy in parts of Sydney and identifies three key empirical issues yet to be addressed.