NSW Premier Mike Baird appears to have backed down following a backlash over his strongly worded defence of Sydney's lockout laws.
Days after he said there was "growing hysteria" about claims the state was losing its city nightlife, the premier has invited the public to have their say on the controversial laws.
Mr Baird took to Nova radio station on Thursday morning, saying "there are two sides to the debate".
His comments come two days after a Facebook post where he said "it is going to take a lot for me to change my mind".
One critical listener suggested more police on the streets, all-night transport and other measures to curb violence.
"I'm not sure why we went for a curfew as the first reaction to this," said Tyson, from group Keep Sydney Open, on the Fitzy and Wippa program.
The premier said the feedback was welcome and directed him to a formal review of the legislation.
"I think they are entirely valid to put forward and certainly they will be considered," Mr Baird said.
When asked why Sydney's Star Casino is excluded from lockouts, Mr Baird skirted the question saying he would evaluate lockout areas on police advice.
Hours later, the NSW government opened formal submissions to the public for an independent review on the impacts of the last drinks and lockout legislation.
The laws require central Sydney venues to turn people away from 1.30am, serve last drinks by 3am and ban the sale of takeaway alcohol after 10pm.
They were brought in after the deaths of two teenagers from alcohol-fuelled one-punch attacks, but critics say the laws are ruining Sydney's nightlife.
Critics have been invited to change Mr Baird's mind and supporters are also encouraged to have their say.
Deputy Premier Troy Grant promised the review would be transparent and genuine.
"There is no pre-determined outcome here," he told reporters.
"We are a global city and we need to ensure the safety and vibrancy of that nightlife."
Former High Court Justice Ian Callinan has been appointed to review submissions and make recommendations based on the evidence, which will include findings from a Safe Nighttime Roundtable to be established.
© AAP 2024
