Aggressive behaviour has increased outside Sydney bars but the number of alcohol-related injuries at St Vincent's has declined since the city's 1.30am lockout was introduced, according to submissions made to a parliamentary inquiry.
Jeremy Fraser, general manager of Side Bar in the CBD, told the inquiry he has seen "a marked increase in violence around my venue, usually directed towards myself or security staff".
"Since the introduction of the lockout laws, our need to call police for assistance has increased from about once a month, to almost weekly. This is directly due to the lockout laws," he wrote.
"Every night we are in conflict with at least 8-20 guests, who all feel they are being unfairly refused. We explain the laws in detail, however this has little effect, and regularly turns to conflict, sometimes physical."
Mr Fraser said some patrons also became aggressive when they were stopped from re-entering the venue after 1.30am to collect jackets, handbags or lost property. Security staff now spend their time arguing with partygoers and fetching belongings rather than focussing on their key role of spotting intoxication, he said.
The laws came into effect on February 24 and were designed to combat alcohol-fuelled violence following the one-punch deaths of Thomas Kelly and Daniel Christie. Crime statistics to be released on Wednesday will shine a light on the policy's success.
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons told the inquiry there had been a significant reduction in the number of people presenting with alcohol-related injuries at St Vincent's Hospital in Darlinghurst, adjacent to Kings Cross. The injuries presented were of lesser severity and amenity for local residents had improved, the college said.
"We would therefore urge the NSW government to continue with the measures implemented," college president Michael Griggwrote.
But patrons were more critical of the regulations. Eoin Maher told the inquiry he had witnessed increased aggression both on and off licensed premises. Partygoers sprinted to reach venues before 1.30am, leading to "an atmosphere conducive to violence" on the streets. The same problem arose when bars stopped serving alcohol at 3am and throngs of revellers tried to find transport, Mr Maher wrote.
Submissions from unidentified musicians also condemned the laws, and told the inquiry it was now more difficult to find work. Some responses questioned the fairness of the lockout zone, which takes in Kings Cross and the CBD but not Pyrmont or Newtown. One performer wrote: "I cannot believe the casino is exempt, this is absolutely unfair, hypocritical and disgusting."
The Herald reported on Saturday that the Star casino had experienced a boom in revenue in the first half of the year. Patrons, employees and taxi drivers said the venue was experiencing a boom in late-night trade as a result of the lockout. The Star said its head count on Friday and Saturday nights had "fallen slightly" but would not provide figures.
Independent MP for Sydney Alex Greenwich has recommended the lockout zone be expanded to include the Star, but said it should be easier for venues without a violent history to gain an exemption.
The parliamentary inquiry will hold a public hearing on Wednesday.
