Keep Sydney Open running public rally this Sunday, February 21st, in response to lockout laws and #casinomike

Keep Sydney Open have come together with local musicians and speakers for a special public rally event to take place at Belmore Park next weekend on February 21st in response to the ever-mounting levels of discontent with the State Government’s lockout laws and the effect they’re having on businesses within Sydney’s CBD.

The rally will be held on Sunday at 12:30pm before making its way from Belmore Park into the CBD shortly after 1pm. The event will be featuring speeches and performances from artists and individuals passionate about the cause, while the rally itself will be stopping by Bar Century (soon to be shut) for a mock funeral for all the venues, small businesses and jobs that have closed down/have been lost since the lockout laws came into place.

Keep Sydney Open’s rally on the weekend aim to urge the following:

  • Lockout exemptions for licensed premises that are predominantly live music venues.
  • An end to the new license freeze for predominantly live music venues and small bars.
  • The lifting of restrictions on retail hours.
  • Late-night public transport (similar to Melbourne).
  • The introduction of a Night Mayor (similar to Berlin and Amsterdam).
  • An invitation from government to discuss next steps in partnership with those whose livelihoods depend on the music and cultural industries thriving in Sydney.
  • Police to work with and not against the responsible venues who provide safe nights out in a global city.

Performances will be provided on the day by both Art vs Science and Royal Headache, while the rally’s speakers include: Izzi Manfredi (The Preatures), Dave Faulkner (Hoodoo Gurus), Bernard Keane (Political Editor, Crikey) and Tyson Koh (Keen Sydney Open).

More speakers will be announced through the week but note down the rally’s time and date if you care about the state of Sydney’s live music and late night cultural scene – get along and show your support!

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